Young Girl Leaning by Flowered Screen (Jeune fille accoudée au paravent fleuri)

Young Girl Leaning by Flowered Screen (Jeune fille accoudée au paravent fleuri) by Henri Matisse is an exquisite example of the artist's graphic output from the period immediately following World War I. Executed as a lithograph in 1923, this print highlights Matisse’s sophisticated approach to line, pattern, and the exploration of intimate interior space, characteristic of his work produced while living in Nice.

The subject matter aligns with the domestic tranquility and quiet introspection often favored by Matisse during the early 1920s. The work centers on a contemplative young woman leaning casually against a highly patterned flowered screen, a decorative element typical of many of the French artist's sophisticated compositions. As a master draftsman, Matisse utilized the lithographic process to achieve a nuanced interplay between the delicate rendering of the figure and the bold, repetitive designs of the backdrop. This approach allowed him to explore subtle tonal variations and textural richness, translating the intimacy of his studio drawings into repeatable fine art prints.

The contrast between the smooth modeling of the figure’s flesh and the visually complex backdrop creates a sense of depth and guides the viewer's eye to the psychological quietude of the girl. This piece demonstrates the ongoing evolution of Matisse’s style in 1923, showing a move toward a detailed, representational form that still retains his signature decorative flair, setting him apart from contemporary avant-garde movements. Considered a significant example of early 20th-century printmaking, the lithograph Young Girl Leaning by Flowered Screen is currently held within the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).