Joy of Life Matisse

From 1905 to 1906 Matisse painted one of his best paintings, The Joy of Life. It is considered to be one of the most important works of Twenty Century art. Joy of Life, dreamlike and playful, illustrates a celebration. When people gather to celebrate, there is music, dancing and talking, just like in Joy of Life. The women are relaxed, peaceful, and nonthreatening. The scene shows various groups of nymphs and individuals doing many different things, implying that in this world there is room for anyone to join in the celebration.



“The living model, the naked body of a woman, is the privileged seat of feeling, but also of questioning . . . The model must mark you, awaken in you an emotion which you seek in turn to express” – Henri Matisse