Matisse and Decoration

Between 1935 and his death in 1954, Henri Matisse undertook many decorative projects, including mural paintings, stained glass, ceramic tiles, lead crystal, carpets, tapestries, fabrics and accessories. Matisse designed many of these decorations in the innovative medium of the paper cut-out. This considerable aspect of his career is compiled and detailed by art historian and writer John Klein, who presents a wealth of new insights and unpublished material from the artist’s correspondence. Matisse and Decoration opens a window onto the revival and promotion of traditional French decorative arts following World War Two while contextualising and uplifting Matisse’s decorative practice.