The painting belongs to the trend of abstract expressionism and is part of the 'Jazz Book' series. It depicts a figurative scene with circus motifs, dominated by vivid colors and dynamic forms.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Henri Matisse

  • Date of birth and death

    31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954

  • Natinality

    French

  • Style

    Fauvism, Modernism, Post-Impressionism, Cut-outs

  • Significant works

    Woman with a Hat, The Joy of Life, Blue Nude, La Danse, L’Atelier Rouge, The Snail

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1943

  • Execution technique:

    oil on canvas

  • Theme:

    figurative scene, circus, abstract expressionism, energy, color

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The artwork presents a dynamic and colorful world of the circus, combining the expression of movement and emotions with abstract form. The painting reflects the artist's fascination with improvisation and the vitality of stage performance.

The key to interpreting the work

Interpret as an example of Matisse's mature style, combining color and abstract expression with references to everyday life and celebration of movement.

See other works by this artist

The King's Sadness

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1952
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The Snail

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1953
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La gerbe

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1953
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Luxury, Calm and Pleasure

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1904
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Woman with a Hat

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1905
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The Joy of Life

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1905-1906
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The Young Sailor II

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1906
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The Blue Nude (Souvenir of Biskra)

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1907
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Dance (II)

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1910
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Music

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1910
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Moroccan Café

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1912-1913
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Bathers by a River

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1909-1916
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The Moroccans

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1915-1916
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The Dance

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1932-1933
Explore

Icarus

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1943-1944
Explore

White Torso and Blue Torso

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1944
Explore

The Beasts of the Sea

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1950
Explore

Blue Nude II

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1952
Explore

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