Nude with Necklace (Nu au collier)

Nude with Necklace (Nu au collier) is an exquisite print created by the French master Henri Matisse in 1926. This delicate work is classified as an etching, an intaglio technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, further enhanced by the specialized process of chine collé. This printing method involves adhering a very thin, sometimes tinted, paper (the chine) onto a heavier support sheet simultaneously during the press run, resulting in a unique texture that subtly lifts and illuminates the precise etched lines.

The print belongs to the critically important mid-1920s phase of Matisse's career, often associated with his studio activities in Nice. Following the upheavals of World War I and the formal experimentation of earlier Modernism, the artist embarked upon an intensive study of the female figure, focusing on intimate representations and classical draftsmanship. While many of his contemporaneous paintings employ elaborate patterns and vibrant color, this print, created in 1926, showcases Matisse’s unwavering commitment to the expressive potential of line alone.

Matisse utilizes the rigorous, controlled nature of the etching process to define the seated figure’s posture and form with essential, fluid contours. The simple adornment of the necklace provides a focal point and enhances the intimacy of the portrait. The choice of chine collé emphasizes the luminosity of the support paper against the deep intensity of the etched black lines, rendering the subject with a sophisticated graphic clarity.

The prolific nature of Matisse's printmaking extended his exploration of composition and form beyond his painted canvases. This specific work, Nude with Necklace, is a significant example of his dedication to print media during this fertile French period and resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).