Description
Henri Matisse, one of the greatest early innovators of 20th-century painting, left us in 1919 a work titled "The Green Sash" or also known as "Femme au fauteuil". The piece, with its dimensions of 54x60, falls within the prolific period of creation following World War I, a time when the artist was beginning to refine his characteristic style of bold color use and balanced compositions.
The painting depicts a woman sitting in a chair, possibly a salon armchair, a recurring motif in Matisse's work. The central figure is a woman with dark hair tied in a bun, dressed in a light robe that reveals a sensual neckline. The title, "The Green Sash," directly refers to the green sash that cinched the model's outfit, an element that adds contrast and a vibrant touch to the ensemble.
Matisse is known for his mastery in the use of color, and this painting is no exception. The predominant colors are soft and enveloping, a combination of cream and brown tones in the woman's attire and the armchair, which almost blend with the background plane. However, the green of the sash acts as a focal point that guides the viewer's eye throughout the composition, a technique Matisse often used to impart dynamism and depth to his paintings.
The figure's surroundings are skillfully simplified, almost abstract, composed of color blocks rather than intricate details. This reductive approach allows the focus to be entirely on the model and the interaction of colors on the canvas. Nevertheless, the few decorative elements and the floral pattern behind the woman evoke a domestic and comfortable atmosphere, inviting the viewer to share an intimacy with the captured scene.
The influence of Fauvism in "The Green Sash" is evident, a movement of which Matisse was one of the pioneers. The Fauves were characterized by their emphasis on pure color and the primacy of expression over faithful representation of reality. Although Matisse's work in 1919 shows a stylistic moderation compared to his more radical production of the early century, the essence of Fauvism remains present, especially in the free treatment of color.
This painting is strongly related to other works by Matisse where the female figure is central, such as "La Raie Verte" (1905) and "Woman with a Hat" (1905). In all of them, Matisse explores the interaction of color and form to capture not only the appearance but the essence of his models.
"The Green Sash" reflects a moment of intersection between the initial boldness of Fauvism and the evolution towards a calmer and more mature aesthetic. As observed in this work, Matisse achieves a harmonious balance between symmetry and asymmetry, summarizing his ability to transform the everyday into a deeply emotional and aesthetically enriching visual experience.