Femme au Collier (Woman with Necklace)
Drawing / Work on paper; framed • Henri Matisse (Signature: 'Henri Matisse 42')
Style & Movement
Modernism; Fauvism/Late Matisse draughtsmanship style
Medium & Technique
Crayon or charcoal on paper; minimalist line drawing utilizing economy of line
Creation Period
1942 (indicated by signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 40 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A portrait of a woman with braided hair and a necklace, characterized by fluid, single-line contours typical of Matisse's late drawings documenting feminine grace.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible light-induced discoloration and significant digital/physical light interference
Estimated Market Value
$40,000 - $80,000 (if authenticated)
Auction Estimate
$30,000 - $60,000
Provenance History
Unknown; requires verification of authenticity from the Archives Matisse
Art Historical Significance
Represents Matisse's wartime focus on pure line and the synthesis of form, where he sought to capture the essence of the subject with minimal means.
Notable Features
Features the distinctive Matisse signature and date in the lower right; exemplifies the 'Thème et Variations' period of the early 1940s.
Condition Issues
Paper yellowing (toning), minor foxing, and heavy blue-green light reflections visible in the digital capture which may indicate surface artifacts.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator; UV-protective glass mounting; climate-controlled storage away from direct sunlight.