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The Dance
The painting was commissioned by Albert Barnes, a doctor and art lover, who ordered a mural for the main hall of his gallery. Matisse first created a model from paper cutouts, which he could freely arrange to establish the composition. The final work, despite being smaller than planned, presents a dynamic composition of bodies seemingly jumping across an abstract space of pink-blue fields.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Henri Matisse
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Date of birth and death
31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954
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Natinality
French
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Style
Fauvism, Modernism, Post-Impressionism, Cut-outs
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Significant works
Woman with a Hat, The Joy of Life, Blue Nude, La Danse, L’Atelier Rouge, The Snail
Information about the work
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Year:
1932-1933
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, USA
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Theme:
dance, movement, human figure, expressionism
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The composition shows rhythmic harmony and energy of dance, referring to a lasting motif in Matisse’s work — the celebration of life through color and form. The work also symbolizes freedom and the joy of the sensual experience of art.
The key to interpreting the work
Interpret as one of the most important examples of Matisse's late expressionist period, emphasizing the significance of color and simplicity of form in conveying emotions.See other works by this artist
