Nude in an interior, with fruit bowl (Nu dans un intérieur, avec une coupe de fruits)

Nude in an interior, with fruit bowl (Nu dans un intérieur, avec une coupe de fruits) by Henri Matisse is a significant graphic work created in 1926, representing the French master’s exploration of the intimate interior space during his prolific Nice period. Classified as a print, this piece was executed using the demanding technique of drypoint combined with chine collé. Drypoint involves scratching directly into the copper plate with a sharp point, raising a burr that holds the ink and results in soft, velvety lines upon printing. The addition of chine collé involves adhering a thin, usually colored or fine Asian paper, to a heavier support sheet during the printing process, enhancing the work with subtle textural variation and delicate tonal contrasts.

The print features one of Matisse’s most recurrent and favored subjects: the female nude situated within a carefully composed domestic setting. The composition balances the sensuous curves of the figure with the geometric and decorative patterns of the interior. While the focus remains on the model, the title highlights the classical still life element provided by the fruit bowl, integrating traditional art historical motifs into a modernist setting.

Matisse’s handling of the drypoint technique emphasizes outline and expressive line work over deep volumetric shading, a hallmark of his graphic output from the 1920s. This piece demonstrates his masterful ability to convey form and atmosphere through minimal means. This specific work resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). As a pivotal example of prints produced by the artist in 1926, it is essential for understanding the evolution of modern French drawing and graphic design during this era.