Half-Length Nude (Nu à demi allongé)

Half-Length Nude (Nu à demi allongé) by Henri Matisse, created in 1913, stands as an important example of the artist’s graphic production during the pivotal period of 1913–14. This delicate French work is classified as a print, specifically executed in the demanding technique of drypoint. Unlike etching, drypoint involves incising lines directly into a copper plate using a sharp, needle-like tool. This method produces a burr-a ridge of metal raised on either side of the furrow-which holds the ink and results in the characteristic soft, velvety lines and rich tonal qualities visible in the final impression.

The subject matter aligns with Matisse’s career-long exploration of the female form, rendering the figure with an economy of line typical of his mature style. The composition focuses on the intimate pose of the model, likely reclining or resting, captured with swift, decisive strokes. The nature of the drypoint technique forces a directness and spontaneity that perfectly suits Matisse’s post-Fauvist aesthetic, emphasizing pure contour and suggestion over detailed modeling. This approach contrasts sharply with the bold colors of his contemporaneous paintings, offering a stark investigation into form using only black and white.

The years 1913–14 mark a significant transition in Matisse’s output, where he frequently returned to drawing and printmaking to rigorously define his visual language. This exploration of the nude in the drypoint medium offered him a critical means to refine his understanding of composition before translating concepts to larger, more complex canvases. As a representative piece of early twentieth-century French graphic art, the print is highly regarded for its technical mastery and conceptual simplicity. The drypoint Half-Length Nude (Nu à demi allongé) is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, where it contributes substantially to the understanding of Matisse's profound contribution to modern printmaking.