Interior with Egyptian Curtain
Painting on canvas • Henri Matisse
Style & Movement
Modern Art / Fauvism / Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, executed with expressive brushwork, bold coloration, and flattened perspective
Creation Period
1940
Dimensions & Format
Vertical rectangular format, approximately 45 3/4 x 28 3/8 inches (116 x 72 cm)
Subject Description
An interior scene featuring a table in the foreground with a vase of flowers, lemons, and a birdcage. In the background, a patterned Egyptian curtain hangs near a window and a folding screen, set against a vibrant red tiled floor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent, well-preserved museum-quality condition reflecting standard institutional care
Estimated Market Value
Museum collection holding; estimated value exceeds $50,000,000 if sold on the private market
Auction Estimate
$40,000,000 - $60,000,000
Provenance History
Acquired by the Baltimore Museum of Art as part of the Cone Collection, bequeathed by Dr. Claribel Cone and Miss Etta Cone
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece from Matisse's later period, showcasing his mastery of pattern, color, and interior space, famously part of the renowned Cone Collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art
Notable Features
Features Matisse's signature use of vibrant textiles, intricate patterns, and a brilliant interplay between interior objects and exterior light
Condition Issues
None readily apparent; stable surface with no major canvas distortions or paint losses visible
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain standard museum environmental controls including 50 percent relative humidity, stable temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and low-lux UV-filtered lighting
Collector Notes
Baltimore Museum of Art