Finding professional models was not easy for the artist at the start of World War I (1914–1918), so Matisse turned to local musicians, such as violinist Joan Massià (1890–1969) and cellist Carlos Oliverès (1890–1972), whose portrait is also on view nearby. Although these etchings were created rapidly with just a few marks, Matisse was able to capture the essence of the sitter. Here, the narrow format of the print frames the musician’s face, giving the appearance that Massià is looking at Matisse through a door or window.