Artwork
La fille aux yeux verts
La fille aux yeux verts is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist Henri Matisse. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1908, this oil painting by Henri Matisse depicts a single female sitter. The work belongs to the period when Matisse was exploring Fauvism, a movement noted for its liberated color palette and expressive brushwork. It is currently held in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait centers on a young woman whose pale skin and direct gaze draw the viewer’s attention. Her striking green eyes are emphasized against a backdrop of vivid hues, while a blue‑yellow hat and orange blouse provide contrasting accents. The composition conveys a calm, introspective presence without overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Matisse employs broad, confident brushstrokes characteristic of his Fauvist phase, allowing color to define form as much as line. The canvas features a lively, non‑naturalistic background of interlocking shapes and patterns that frame the sitter. The palette, rich oranges, blues, yellows, and the titular green, creates a harmonious yet dynamic visual tension.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the market and was eventually acquired by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s modern European holdings. Its provenance traces back to early 20th‑century collectors who recognized Matisse’s emerging influence within avant‑garde circles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henri Émile Benoît Matisse (French:; 31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954) was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship.
