Matisse, Répertoire 6 

Description

This complete facsimile reveals the genesis of one of Matisse's most sumptuous books, Jazz (1947). It also reflects the abundance of projects the artist was working on simultaneously in the summer of 1946. Throughout its pages, in addition to drafts and calligraphic studies for Jazz, we discover entirely new texts, decorative motifs for various illustrated books, a portrait of his assistant and model Lydia Délectorskaya, a sketch for the fresco La Danse, the compositions for his Polynésies tapestries...

And between two sketches, on pages adorned with scrolls, a recipe, a psalm, a letter are slipped in here, there... Delving into this manuscript illuminates the evolution of Matisse's thought on a daily basis. It offers a glimpse behind the scenes of his creative process, allowing us to grasp its rhythm.

"A painter must cut out his tongue," Matisse said, and yet Répertoire 6 testifies to a certain literary talent. An elegant booklet, cleverly bound, brings together the complete transcription of the texts and Anne Théry's comprehensive study, shedding light on this lesser-known facet of Matisse's work.

Anne Théry is an art historian specializing in the writings and statements of Henri Matisse. She currently works at the artist's archives in Issy-les-Moulineaux.