As the Royal Academy turns its attention to Matisse' paintings, we're celebrating another, equally fascinating side of the great French artist: his extraordinary - and lesser known - contribution to printmaking. 

Opening on 6 November, Matisse in Print: The Evolution of Line and Colour brings together a diverse range of important original etchings, lithographs and aquatints, alongside a special presentation of 35 lithographic reproductions of his celebrated paper cut-outs from Hayward Gallery Touring, part of London’s Southbank Centre. Spanning more than three decades, from 1923 to Matisse’s death in 1954, with additional works published posthumously, the exhibition traces his extraordinary exploration of line, colour and form through print.

Original Prints

Among the highlights are Odalisque au Magnolia, Repos sur la banquette and Nadia au regard attentif, original prints featuring some of Matisse's most famous models and muses. Works with an extraordinary artistic pedigree, impressions of Odalisque au Magnolia are held in collections including London's Victoria and Albert Museum, LACMA in Los Angeles and Tokyo's National Museum of Western Art, while Repos sur la banquette is represented in the Art Institute of Chicago and Detroit Institute of Arts.

As a collection, they reveal Matisse's remarkable ability to capture character, intimacy and expression with the simplest of lines. A rare opportunity to encounter this quieter, more intimate side of an artist best known for his extraordinary use of colour.

Drawing With Scissors

Then comes an altogether different Matisse.

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, presented by Hayward Gallery Touring, brings 35 lithographic reproductions of his magnificent late paper cut-outs to Hommage, including all four Blue Nudes, The Snail and The Sorrow of the King.

Created when Matisse was in his eighties, after major surgery had severely restricted his ability to paint, these exuberant compositions marked an extraordinary new chapter in his career. Armed with scissors and brilliantly coloured paper, he found an entirely medium, which would later become one of his most instantly recognisable styles and form of art.

As a collection, they reveal Matisse's remarkable ability to capture character, intimacy and expression with the simplest of lines. A rare opportunity to encounter this quieter, more intimate side of an artist best known for his extraordinary use of colour.

Original Art Exhibition Posters

Completing the exhibition is our own collection of original Matisse art exhibition posters, which we have meticulously sourced over several years. These limited pieces continue to be a celebration of the leading twentieth-century artists, and the extraordinary French printers and publishers who have helped bring modern art to a wider and more contemporary audience.

From the delicacy of a single line to the boldest explosions of colour, this is Matisse's restless imagination at work.

CELEBRATE WITH US

We will be hosting a private viewing and drinks reception on Thursday 12th November here at 322 King's Road, and we'd love to celebrate with you. If you'd like to join us then please RSVP to info@hommage-art.com so we can add you to our list.

We're looking forward to showing you round.