The Arabian Chemise (La Chemise arabe)

The Arabian Chemise (La Chemise arabe) by Henri Matisse, created in 1926, is a delicate and masterful example of modern printmaking. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the technique of etching, which is prized for its ability to produce extremely fine linework, enhanced here by the application of chine collé. This refined process involves adhering thin, often subtly toned paper to the heavier print support during the pressing, lending the resulting impression a surface variation and complexity that transcends standard black-and-white etchings.

The subject matter, inferred from the title, places the figure within the long-running Orientalist themes that Matisse explored extensively following his time in Nice during the 1920s. Though the background setting is typically simplified in his graphic works, Matisse excelled at capturing the texture and drape of fabric, making the titular chemise a central focus of the composition. As a French artist working in the interwar period, Matisse utilized printmaking not merely for reproduction, but as an essential, rigorous component of his creative practice, allowing him to focus purely on line, shadow, and form without the distraction of his signature bright colors.

Unlike his larger, color-saturated oil paintings of the period, this etching highlights the graphic precision that Matisse maintained throughout his career. The delicacy afforded by the chine collé technique softens the often stark appearance of pure etching, providing subtle tonal variation and an additional layer of aesthetic refinement. As a printmaker, Matisse approached the copper plate with the same rigorous commitment to form found in his drawing. The creation date of 1926 places this work squarely within his mature period, showcasing his enduring contribution to modern graphic arts. This specific impression of The Arabian Chemise (La Chemise arabe) is held in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), confirming its status as a key example of Matisse’s diverse output across various media.