MATISSE'S ODALISQUES

Odalisques were the most popular subject of

 Matisse's Nice period,during the 1920s.

They appear in diverse poses in innumerable canvases:reclining,lounging,seated or standing,

frequently with their arms raised or 

folded behind the head.Dressed or semi-dressed

 in exotic attire,they are placed against a 

decorative background of richly patterned 

fabrics and oriental rugs and surrounded by 

oriental accoutrements.Matisse's primary

 model for these depictions,from 1920 to 1927

was Henriette Darricarriére(born 1901),

a young woman skilled in the arts of ballet,

piano,violin and painting who lived near

Matisse's studio.  

  

In this third-floor apartment at 1,Place 

Charles-Félix,Matisse arranged an "Oriental" 

alcove,equipped with a low couch,mirrors,

decorative screens and profusely patterned 

wall hangins,creating an atmosphere of 

reverie and exoticism reminiscent of 

the Moorish interiors he had seen in Morocco.

The model's sculpturesque body,languorously

stretching on the couch,exudes sensuality and

carnality,enhanced by the warm rosy red colour

 scheme.The mood of "luxe,calme et volupté"

is clearly palpable.Yet,contemplating the

work,one gets the impression that the artist

somehow distanced himself from the erotic

content of the picture while leaving the 

excitement of recognition to the viewer.

Despite their attempt at authenticity,the 

paintings appear carefully staged and full 

of theatricality.The theme of odalisques

during the Matisse's Nice period is central

not only to his paintings,but also to his

sculptures,drawings and prints.