Admiration of Mattise

Henri Matisse

Ever since I was little I have always had a love for this painting, which sparked my love for Henri Matisse.  I love the sense of balance Matisse creates in this painting with the woman in the purple robe, and the flowers sitting on the table. I think the purple robe gives this painting so much character because it says something about the woman herself. Why is she wearing a purple robe? It initiates this thought process of who is she and what is her importance. 

I like even more how Matisse uses so much pattern in this painting. By using so much pattern he created movement, and spacial references, between furniture, walls and floors. I think Matisse using so many different colors says something about the woman wearing the purple robe. The purple signifying her high class. Even her body language illustrates her high social standing.

I like this painting by Matisse because of the mood it gives off. When I look at the painting the first thing I pick up on is the naked woman but then my attention goes to the mirror behind her. The depth he creates by doing this gives the painting even more interest. In the mirror you see the back of the woman and a man, which is sitting down painting her...which I assume is Matisse himself. I like how he incorporated himself in the painting that way, sort of like a self-reflection.

I also like the color scheme of oranges, reds, and browns. It gives the painting a warm feeling. And then I also like all the corners and rectangular shapes he uses with the tables, mirror, picture frames, etc.  The realism of the painting is just amazing. Matisse's style really will grab your attention and make a person analyze his work.

I love the simplicity of this painting so much. Matisse left so much room for the imagination, which makes this painting as amazing as it is. When I look at this painting, I think of a butterfly initially. But then I gravitate towards the female reproductivity system because of the symmetry. I think of how the body is never perfect on the left and right. I think the simplicity of this painting makes it not so simple.

I wish that Matisse would have left a clue or something about what exactly the painting meant in the painting. The color choice of the painting is also strategic because purple and blue are very soothing colors tot he mind. I get such a relaxed feeling when viewing this painting. Matisse did not so much, that actually meant a lot in this painting.