Nude with Necklace and Long Hair (Nu au collier et aux cheveux longs)

Nude with Necklace and Long Hair (Nu au collier et aux cheveux longs) is a significant print created by Henri Matisse in 1920. Classified as an etching with chine collé, this graphic work demonstrates Matisse’s sophisticated use of printmaking processes during the interwar period. The technique of chine collé involves adhering a very thin sheet of paper to a heavier support sheet while the print is run through the press. This subtle addition often introduces a delicate tonal element or texture to the final composition, distinguishing it from a standard, stark etching.

The subject matter centers on a female figure depicted in repose. As suggested by the title, the figure is characterized by the explicit details of a long necklace adorning her neck and shoulders, alongside heavy, flowing hair that frames her body. This exploration of the nude form was central to Matisse’s artistic endeavors, particularly in the period following 1917, when the French artist moved toward more conventional, yet still highly stylized, classical representations.

Matisse utilizes the etching needle to create economical yet evocative lines, defining the form and volume of the figure with minimal shading or background detail. The simplicity of the line quality emphasizes the intimacy and sensuality of the subject, a hallmark of his approach to portraiture and figure studies c. 1920.

The production of limited-edition prints, such as Nude with Necklace and Long Hair, was vital for disseminating modern French aesthetics and making the work of masters like Matisse accessible. Today, the work is part of the extensive collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it serves as a key example of the artist’s mastery of graphic media.