Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse, born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, began his artistic journey later in life after initially pursuing a career in law. His early works, influenced by artists like Vincent van Gogh, were characterized by a dark palette and traditional subject matter. However, Matisse's style underwent a dramatic transformation after he was exposed to the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, and following his study under Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau.
Matisse became a leader of Fauvism, a movement characterized by its use of intense, non-naturalistic colors, around 1905. His mastery of color reached its peak during this period, with paintings such as "The Joy of Life" and "The Open Window" demonstrating a bold, new approach to depicting landscapes and figures.
In the 1910s and 1920s, Matisse's style evolved again, with a focus on Orientalism and an exploration of decorative patterns and motifs. His work from this period is marked by a sense of harmony and balance, achieved through simplified forms and a more subdued palette.
During the 1940s, Matisse's health began to decline, which led him to innovate with paper cut-outs, a technique that allowed him to "paint with scissors." These works, such as the series "Jazz" and the chapel he designed in Vence, France, are celebrated for their vibrant colors and playful, abstract forms.
Matisse's influence on modern art is monumental. His exploration of color theory and bold, graphic aesthetics paved the way for future art movements, including Abstract Expressionism. He continued to create until his death on November 3, 1954, leaving behind a legacy that forever altered the course of modern art.