Emma L., "Rivière"

Emma L., "Rivière" is a compelling print created by Henri Matisse in 1916. This significant work utilizes a complex combination of drypoint and etching, enhanced by the specialized technique of chine collé. Categorized specifically as a print, the piece reflects Matisse’s dedicated engagement with graphic arts during this transitional phase of his career, a period often characterized by a rigorous return to form and line.

The work’s classification as a print underscorses the artist’s technical mastery in intaglio processes. The choice of drypoint allowed Matisse to achieve rich, burred lines that yield a delicate, velvety texture in the final impression, contrasting sharply with the fine, decisive marks achieved through traditional etching. The specialized use of chine collé, involving adhering a thin, fine piece of paper onto a heavier printing support during the press run, potentially introduced subtle tonal variations or surface textures to the composition. This intensive focus on draftsmanship and the materiality of the print medium characterizes much of Matisse's output during the 1916–17 period. During this time, the French master temporarily stepped away from the intense color palettes of Fauvism to explore more linear, classical structures in both his painting and his printmaking.

As a leading figure in early 20th-century French culture, Matisse continually innovated his approach to portraiture and the human figure, viewing the creation of prints as an equally significant facet of his creative practice. The resulting image serves as a powerful testament to the artist’s graphic skill and his ability to convey character through economical means. This important piece is maintained within the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, ensuring its preservation and continued study. While these original prints remain highly valued in institutional collections, the enduring legacy of Matisse’s graphic work is often made accessible to wider audiences through reproductions available via public domain art resources.