Title
Matisse the Master: A Life of Henri Matisse: The Conquest of Colour, 19091954,Used
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If my story were ever to be written down truthfully from start to finish, it would amaze everyone, wrote Henri Matisse. It is hard to believe today that Matisse, whose exhibitions draw huge crowds worldwide, was once almost universally reviled and ridiculed. His response was neither to protest nor to retreat; he simply pushed on from one innovation to the next, and left the world to draw its own conclusions. Unfortunately, these were generally false and often damaging. Throughout his life and afterward people fantasized about his models and circulated baseless fabrications about his private life.Fifty years after his death, Matisse the Master (the second half of the biography that began with the acclaimed The Unknown Matisse)shows us the painter as he saw himself. With unprecedented and unrestricted access to his voluminous family correspondence, and other new material in private archives, Hilary Spurling documents a lifetime of desperation and selfdoubt exacerbated by Matisses attempts to counteract the violence and disruption of the twentieth century in paintings that now seem effortlessly serene, radiant, and stable.Here for the first time is the truth about Matisses models, especially two Russians: his pupil Olga Meerson and the extraordinary Lydia Delectorskaya, who became his studio manager, secretary, and companion in the last two decades of his life.But every woman who played an important part in Matisses life was remarkable in her own right, not least his beloved daughter Marguerite, whose honesty and courage surmounted all ordeals, including interrogation and torture by the Gestapo in the Second World War.If you have ever wondered how anyone with such a tame public image as Matisse could have painted such rich, powerful, mysteriously moving pictures, let alone produced the radical cutpaper and stainedglass inventions of his last years, here is the answer. They were made by the real Matisse, whose true story has been written down at last from start to finish by his first biographer, Hilary Spurling.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book contains five hundred forty-four pages. It offers an extensive look into the life of Henri Matisse.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book has a paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and flexible for easy reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six point nine seven inches in length, one point five inches in width, and nine point one nine inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Hilary Spurling. She is known for her detailed biographical works.
- Q: What is the main theme of this biography? A: The biography explores the life of Henri Matisse and his artistic journey. It delves into his struggles and innovations throughout his career.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is primarily intended for adults and older teens. The themes and language may not be suitable for younger children.
- Q: How do I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this book, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending the cover to maintain its shape.
- Q: Can I read this book on my commute? A: Yes, this book is portable and easy to read on the go. Its paperback format makes it convenient for commuting.
- Q: What should I do if I receive a damaged copy? A: If you receive a damaged copy, contact the seller for a replacement or refund. Most sellers have a return policy for damaged items.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: Yes, this book is the second half of a biography that began with 'The Unknown Matisse.' It continues to explore Matisse's life and work.
- Q: Who is the publisher of this book? A: The publisher is Knopf. They are known for publishing quality literature and biographies.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations? A: Yes, the book includes illustrations of Matisse's works. These visuals enhance the understanding of his artistic contributions.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The target audience includes art enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in Matisse's life and works. It's well-suited for those studying art history.
- Q: What is the tone of the writing in this biography? A: The tone is informative and reflective. It aims to provide a deep understanding of Matisse's personal and artistic life.
- Q: Are there references or sources cited in this book? A: Yes, the book includes references to Matisse's correspondence and other archival materials. This adds depth to the narrative.