Henri Matisse was born on 31 December 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France. He is recognised as one of the main masters of modernism and Fauvism, an artistic movement that emphasised the expressive and non-naturalistic use of colour. Matisse began his education as an attorney, but later turned to art, studying at the Julian Academy and the School of Fine Arts in Paris.
His style evolved throughout his career, characterised by simplified forms, vibrant colours and bold compositions. Famous works include “The Dance”, “The Music” and “The Woman with the Hat”. Matisse also explored various techniques, including collage and sculpture, and is known for his free style and decorative forms.
During his lifetime, Matisse was a prolific artist, influencing generations of artists and contributing to the development of modern art. He died on 3 November 1954 in Nice. Today, he is celebrated as one of the great masters of art, whose work continues to inspire and resonate around the world.
