Nature morte aux fruits (Six Pêches)
Work on paper; drawing • Henri Matisse (1869–1954), signed 'H.M.' in lower right.
Style & Movement
Modernism; Fauvism (Late Period), focusing on lyrical abstraction and economy of line.
Medium & Technique
Graphite or charcoal on paper, utilizing fluid contour line drawing without shading or cross-hatching.
Creation Period
Circa 1940-1948
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 32 cm (sheet size); Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A still life study of six peaches with leaves. The composition emphasizes the rhythmic arrangement of organic forms across the void of the paper, focusing on the essential silhouette of the fruit rather than volume or detail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper shows minor undulation (cockling) consistent with aging of organic paper support, and slight toning.
Estimated Market Value
$60,000 - $120,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$50,000 - $80,000 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; potentially acquired through Galerie Maeght or heirs of the artist. Visible signature 'H.M.' is a standard late-period mark for Matisse drawings.
Art Historical Significance
This drawing represents Matisse's 'economy of means,' a hallmark of his late period where he sought to express the maximum of emotion and form with a minimum of lines. It relates closely to his studies for the Vence Chapel and his late still life paintings.
Notable Features
Features Matisse's iconic late-career initials 'H.M.' in the bottom right corner. The frame is a carved giltwood Louis XIV style frame, characteristic of high-end gallery presentations for 20th-century masters.
Condition Issues
Mild paper cockling; slight yellowing/oxidation of the paper edge; minor surface dust trapped under glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering museum glass and acid-free archival mounting. Maintain stable humidity to prevent further cockling. Avoid direct sunlight.