Reclining Nude, with Necklace (Femme étendue aux perles)

Reclining Nude, with Necklace (Femme étendue aux perles) is a sophisticated print created by Henri Matisse in 1925. This work exemplifies the artist's dedication to graphic arts during his highly productive period in Nice following World War I. Classified as a French print, the piece was executed using etching, enhanced by the specialized technique of chine collé. This process involves adhering a thin sheet of specialized paper, often tinted, onto a heavier plate paper during the printing process, lending the resulting image a distinct tonal quality and delicate surface texture.

The subject depicts a traditional studio model captured in a state of languid repose. Matisse emphasizes the economy of line, using incisive strokes to define the contours of the figure against the soft background created by the chine collé. Unlike his contemporaneous colorful oil paintings, this work strips the composition down to pure draftsmanship, highlighting the anatomical structure and the luxurious detail of the necklace referenced in the title. The posture is both classical and intimately observed, reflecting Matisse’s enduring fascination with the female form as a vehicle for formal exploration in his studies from 1925.

Created during a decade known for his lush Odalisque paintings, this print captures the introspective mood characteristic of Matisse’s graphic output. The technical demands of the etching medium allowed the artist to refine his mastery of the engraved line, demonstrating his versatility across mediums. This specific impression of Reclining Nude, with Necklace is held in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), affirming its significance within modern European art. The enduring appeal and study of this era of graphic work ensure that high-quality prints reflecting Matisse’s masterful rendering of the human figure remain widely circulated today.