Henri Matisse’s “Blue Nude” series, paper cutouts on canvas created at the end of his long and prolific life, represented the culmination of his exploration of abstraction. Along with Pablo Picasso, Matisse (1869 – 1954) dominated 20th century art. Abandoning law studies to pursue art, Matisse was originally considered a Fauvist. His body of work encompassed vast styles, including primitive art, impressionism, sculpture and abstraction, and was distinguished by his visionary and expressive use of brilliant color and ornamentation. Unlike many artists, Matisse was internationally acclaimed during his lifetime, appreciated by collectors and critics, and influencing a younger generation of artists.

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