Matisse Cut-Outs

The genius of Henri Matisse is captured in this vibrant collection of his paper cut-outs, his primary form of expression in the latter part of his career. As Michel Anthonioz, former director of the Musee d'Orsay, writes, the cut-outs allowed Matisse to ""bridge the gap between his paintings and drawings, between colour and line."" Although the technique of cutting out pieces of paper and gluing them together might sound elementary, the results can be breathtaking. Some works are beautifully simple, such as 1945's The Daisy, which depicts the plain white flower against a soothing green background; others are astonishing in their detail, such as Matisse's oil masterpiece, The Dance. Each piece, however, exudes a sensation of sheer joy, the vibrant colors and playful designs leaping off every page. The editors weave lengthy commentary on Matisse's life and career throughout the book, and while the historical information is essential to understanding the context of Matisse's brilliance, the overabundance of text sometimes takes away from the art's solitary beauty. Nonetheless, this collection of Matisse's paper masterpieces is an essential for aficionados of his art.