Pierre and Maria-Gaetna Matisse Foundation
Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe
Acquired from the above, 2003

Lydia Delectorskaya, Henri Matisse. Contre vents et marées, Paris, 1996, illustrated p. 108

Very good condition. Work is not laid down. Affixed to mat at top and edges. Pinholes in corners. Sheet is slightly soiled and stained. Darkened at edges. Some small spots staining in upper half.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1939, Matisse articulated his own unparalleled talent for drawing: "My line drawing is the purest and most direct translation of my emotion. The simplification of the medium allows that. At the same time, these drawings are more complete than they may appear to some people who confuse them with a sketch. They generate light; seen on a dull day or in direct light they contain, in addition to the quality and sensitivity of line, light and value differences which quite clearly correspond to colors. These qualities are also evident to many in full light. They derive from the fact that the drawings are always preceded by studies made in a less rigorous medium than pure line, such as charcoal or stump drawing, which enables me to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of surrounding light, atmosphere and all that can only be expressed by drawing" (quoted in Jack Flam, Ed., Matisse, A Retrospective, New York, 1988, p. 327).

The present work was executed the following year, and its elegance of f🔥orm affirms the artist's contentions. The composition is infused with delicate subtleties of light and shadow♈. Perching assuredly on her slender forearms, the model enchants the viewer with her charming smile and playfully arched brow. Matisse's ability to gingerly evoke the complex emotions of his model is seldom more evident than in the present composition.