Untitled from Ten Dancers (Dix Danseuses)

Untitled from Ten Dancers (Dix Danseuses) is a significant print created by Henri Matisse in 1927. This specific work is one of ten distinct lithographs that comprise the highly sought-after portfolio Dix Danseuses, translating to "Ten Dancers." The execution of these 1927 prints exemplifies Matisse’s dedication to exploring graphic arts during a pivotal period in his career, following his establishment in Nice and renewed focus on classical figuration.

The portfolio focuses heavily on the figure, particularly the female form captured either in dynamic movement or quiet repose, a recurrent theme aligning with Matisse’s pervasive interest in dancers and odalisques during the interwar period. As a consummate draftsman, Matisse utilized the lithography process to capture the essential movement and fluidity of the subject. This particular piece is characterized by its powerful yet economical use of line, avoiding heavy shading or crosshatching. The resulting graphic quality demonstrates how Matisse approached the medium not merely as a method of reproduction, but as a distinct space for exploring form through simplified contour and striking compositional balance.

Matisse’s deliberate choice of black-and-white media for the series elevates line above color, refining his visual language. These French prints hold substantial art historical value, showcasing the artist’s mastery of spontaneous yet controlled draftsmanship. The creation of Untitled from Ten Dancers coincided with a broader artistic interest in classical subjects, a theme Matisse explored extensively across drawing and sculpture. This important example of the artist’s graphic output, which defined a high point in 1920s printmaking, is held within the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.