Marguerite, with closed eyes (Marguerite, les yeux fermés)

Marguerite, with closed eyes (Marguerite, les yeux fermés) is an intimate portrait created by Henri Matisse in 1918. This delicate print, classified specifically as an etching utilizing the nuanced technique of chine collé, captures a serene image of the sitter, likely the artist’s daughter, Marguerite. The use of etching allowed Matisse to capture his subject with remarkable economy and precision of line. The inclusion of chine collé, a process involving the adherence of a thin, sometimes toned, paper onto a heavier support sheet during printing, enhances the overall texture and depth, distinguishing it from standard black and white prints of the era.

The piece reflects the evolving style of Matisse during the transitional years spanning the 1918–19 period. While Matisse is famed for the bold colors of Fauvism, this work demonstrates a shift toward a restrained, linear classicism that would further develop during his subsequent Nice period. As a key figure in modern French art, Matisse frequently returned to portraiture, using his immediate family as vital subjects to explore form and emotional resonance. The closed eyes of Marguerite lend the etching an atmosphere of contemplation and repose, allowing the artist to focus purely on structural integrity and emotional nuance through disciplined draftsmanship.

This work serves as a crucial document of the artist’s French output immediately following World War I. Matisse’s commitment to mastering the graphic arts is evident in this piece, demonstrating his technical versatility across media. The artist produced numerous high-quality fine art prints throughout his career, cementing the importance of printmaking within his larger oeuvre. Marguerite, with closed eyes is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it contributes to the broader study of 20th-century graphic arts.