Study after Dance (I)

Study after Dance (I) is a seminal preparatory drawing created by Henri Matisse in 1909. Executed in pencil on paper, this elegant and energetic study showcases the French artist’s intense focus on essential line and compositional structure as he developed one of his most important monumental commissions. Produced around c. 1909, this piece is one of several key sketches related to the creation of Matisse’s famous paintings collectively known as La Danse.

The subject matter features five nude figures joining hands in a dynamic, rhythmic circle, capturing a theme central to Matisse’s concerns during this pivotal transition period: the expression of movement, raw emotion, and the primordial connection between human figures. The drawing captures the frenetic energy and weight of the human form with an economy of means, using swift graphite marks to delineate the energetic poses with precision and assurance. Unlike the highly saturated colors found in the final painted versions of the subject, this study emphasizes the pure flow and kinetics of the bodies, underscoring Matisse's ability to create profound visual impact through simplification.

This important drawing is crucial for understanding the genesis of one of modern art's most recognizable motifs. The work currently resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, affirming its significance within 20th-century art history. This foundational piece of French modernism continues to influence contemporary artists and critics alike. High-quality prints of many related studies are widely available, allowing the public access to this mastery of form, even as the original pencil drawing remains securely housed in the museum collection.