Nu couché (Reclining Nude)
Print (Etching or Lithograph on paper) • Henri Matisse (after or attributed to); signed 'Matisse' (lower right) and numbered '1/80' (lower left). This appears to be a limited edition print.
Style & Movement
Modernism / Fauvism; specifically 'Matissian' linear style focused on economy of line and spatial abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Ink on toned paper using a linear etching or lithography technique characterized by a continuous, fluid contour line.
Creation Period
Early to mid-20th Century (circa 1920-1940 based on Fauvist stylistic influence)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches; Portrait/Vertical format.
Subject Description
A reclining female nude figure shown from an elevated perspective on a bed or sofa. The figure is depicted with simplified anatomical forms, resting against a pillow. The composition uses gestural lines to suggest cloth folds and a background frame.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paper shows natural toning/ageing consistent with mid-century prints.
Estimated Market Value
$2,000 - $8,000 (depending on authenticity verification and specific edition series).
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $5,000.
Provenance History
Numbered 1/80, indicating the first print of a limited edition. No other visible secondary market labels are present, but the signature suggests a commercial art market origin.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of Matisse's late 1920s-30s fascination with the 'Odalisque' and the simplification of the female form. It demonstrates the transition from complex shading to 'pure' line which influenced 20th-century minimalism.
Notable Features
Features a low edition number (1/80) and a graphite or plate signature. The fluid, unbroken 'arabesque' line is a hallmark of the artist's hand or style.
Condition Issues
Visible browning of the paper (acidification) or intentional toning; slight evidence of handling wear near the edges; possible light fading of the ink line.
Conservation Recommendations
Use of UV-protective glass, acid-free archival mounting (hinging), and maintenance in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.