Matisse

The work of Henri Matisse has been both a profound inspiration to his successors and a source of infinite enjoyment to all who love art. Yet the apparent spontaneity of his colour and ease of imagery were the fruit of a lifetime''s arduous labour; the simplicity of his compositions the result of a formidable intelligence. In this richly illustrated study, Lawrence Gowing takes us through Matisse''s career, assessing his influence on the art that has followed him and looking closely at Matisse''s own achievements. The detailed discussion of individual works reveal the subtlety and complexity of one of the greatest masters of all time.

About the author

Sir Lawrence Gowing RA (1918 – 1991) was an English artist, writer, curator and teacher. Initially recognised as a portrait and landscape painter, he quickly rose to prominence as an art educator, writer, and eventually, curator and museum trustee.

Product details

• Authors: Lawrence Gowing, Gowing Lawrence
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 26.02.2026
• EAN: 9780500205099
• ISBN: 978-0-500-20509-9
• No. of pages: 216
• Series: World of art
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Art history; 20th Century, ART / Individual Artists / Monographs, c 1800 to c 1900, 19th century, c 1800 to c 1899, History of Art, Early 20th century c 1900 to c 1950, Individual artists, art monographs, Impressionism, Art & design styles: c 1900 to c 1960, Art & design styles: Impressionism & Post-Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, 20th century art, ART / Movements / Modernism