Jeune femme à la robe rayée (Le Repos)
Drawing on paper, mounted and matted • Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Fauvism influence, specifically Matisse's 1930s 'Nice period' decorative style
Medium & Technique
Pastel, charcoal, and graphite on paper; employs strong linear contouring, smudging (estompe) for tonal transitions, and cross-hatching to define depth
Creation Period
1935
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm; horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A pensive young woman reclining with her arms crossed, resting her chin on her arm. She wears a striped dress (marinière style). The background features a plush armchair with decorative upholstery. The gaze is melancholic/introspective, a hallmark of Matisse's portraiture from the mid-1930s.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant with minimal evidence of light-induced fading (fugitive pigments in the blue-green areas appear stable)
Estimated Market Value
$450,000 – $650,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$400,000 – $600,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely passed through Parisian gallery trade (e.g., Bernheim-Jeune or Paul Rosenberg); signature 'Henri Matisse' and date '35' top left are consistent with the artist's hand
Art Historical Significance
A significant work from the mid-1930s when Matisse returned to a more simplified, expressive line following his work on the Barnes Foundation mural. This period bridge the gap between his earlier decorative interiors and the later radical simplification of his cut-outs.
Notable Features
Signature and date '35' in the upper left corner; the use of the striped garment, which was a recurring motif in his work with model Lydia Delectorskaya; high-contrast use of charcoal to define the anatomical structure against soft pastel hues
Condition Issues
Minor paper undulating consistent with pastel mounting; slight yellowing of the paper edges visible at the matte line; potential surface rubbing near the signature area
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend housing under anti-reflective, UV-filtering museum glass; ensure an acid-free spacer between the artwork and glass to prevent pastel transfer; maintain stable 50% humidity to prevent warping