Nu couché (Reclining Nude), likely from the series 'Les Joutes de l'Amour' or similar graphic cycles
Print; Intaglio etching on paper • Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
Style & Movement
Modernism; Fauvism/Post-Impressionism style, specifically Matisse's 'Nice Period' graphic style characterized by economical line and anatomical simplification.
Medium & Technique
Drypoint etching. The technique is characterized by fluid, minimalist lines with visible burr (typical of drypoint) that creates velvety, slightly blurred edges in some strokes.
Creation Period
Circa 1920s–1930s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm (plate size); Vertical/Portrait format within the frame.
Subject Description
A reclining female nude depicted from a high vantage point. The composition uses radical foreshortening and a minimalist, lyrical line to define the volume of the body. The background includes characteristic elements sometimes found in his studio scenes, like a small floral motif or table-edge suggestion.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The plate mark is clearly visible, and the ink retention suggests it is an early or well-preserved pull.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 – $12,000 USD, depending on the edition number and signature presence (often signed in pencil in the margin).
Auction Estimate
$4,000 – $8,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a French or American estate/gallery specializing in 20th-century prints. No visible collector stamps or inventory numbers are present on the front, but numbers might exist on the verso of the sheet.
Art Historical Significance
Matisse’s prints are essential to the understanding of his mastery of line. This work demonstrates his ability to convey three-dimensional form and emotional sensuality through the most basic of linear means, a precursor to his later late-career 'Cut-Outs'.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'ribbon-like' line quality; visible plate indentation confirms authenticity of the intaglio process; the gestural quality of the hair and the specific handling of the torso are signature Matisse traits.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper consistent with age; minor foxing visible in the bottom right margin. Evidence of subtle light-staining from previous framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Mounting with acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glazing. Maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent further foxing.