Henri Matisse
Massia with Long Face
1914
Scroll
Henri Matisse
Massia with Long Face
1914
Physical Qualities
Etching, Sheet: 327 x 252 mm. (12 7/8 x 9 15/16 in.)
Plate: 137 x 102 mm. (5 3/8 x 4 in.)
Credit Line
Marguerite Matisse Duthuit Collection
Object Number
2010.103
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.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2010; Claude and Barbara Duthuit, France
Katy Rothkopf, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Etched in Memory: Matisse's Early Portraits," November 5, 2023 - April 21, 2024.
Inscribed: center right in graphite: "Essai / Henri Matisse"; center verso in graphite: "Pl. 10"; lower left verso in graphite: "etat"
Markings: WM: Van Gelder
