D. Galanis, "Peasant" (D. Galanis, "paysan")

D. Galanis, "Peasant" (D. Galanis, "paysan"), created by Henri Matisse in 1915, is a masterful example of the artist’s highly focused graphic output during the First World War. Classified as a print, this work combines the delicate precision of etching and drypoint with the subtle textural enhancement of chine collé. In this process, a thin, often differently colored paper is adhered to the printing support during the final pressing, allowing Matisse to introduce variances in tone and surface quality that distinguish it from standard intaglio prints. The combination of drypoint and etching techniques allows for a dynamic contrast between fine, sharp lines and the rich, velvety textures created by the burr of the drypoint needle.

Executed during the intensely productive 1915–16 period, this French print demonstrates Matisse's dedication to simplifying form and strengthening line during years marked by historical upheaval. While often celebrated for his expansive color palette, Matisse consistently used printmaking, particularly etching, as a means to distill the essence of a subject down to its most basic elements. The subject, a peasant figure, is rendered with an economy of line typical of the period, reflecting an intellectual rigor that characterized much of Matisse’s art leading up to the postwar years.

Matisse produced a significant body of prints throughout the 1910s and 1920s, cementing his status as one of the great modern graphic artists. This exploration into graphic media contributed fundamentally to the development of modern prints. While certain early prints remain protected, many works from this period have since entered the public domain, ensuring widespread scholarly access to Matisse’s draftsmanship. This powerful depiction of a figure is permanently housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring the enduring significance of D. Galanis, "Peasant" (D. Galanis, "paysan") within the history of modern art.