Henri Matisse - Poesies Antillaises - Number J.7

Original Lithograph, 1972, Impression in brown, on Japan paper, unsigned as normal

Note: This is a lithograph from the work “Poesies Antillaises” by John-Antoine Nau. Matisse was a great friend of the poet and author of the work, Charles-Antoine Nau who he met in the early years of the 20th century. They both shared a great love for Martinique. Many years later, in 1945, Matisse considered a work as a “hommage” to his friend and he began working with several exotic models from Martinique. Matisse composed the work by choosing the poems he liked the best. The following year Matisse contacted the poet’s sole legatee to obtain a photograph of his friend from which he could make a lithographic portrait. The same year Matisse advised the printer Mourlot that he had finished the work and was very pleased with it. However various delays occurred at this stage and Matisse died. At the urging of the artists heirs the work was finally printed in 1972 by Mourlot who scrupulously followed the artists maquette and the final corrected proofs signed by Matisse. The final work consisted of a suite of 27 lithographs pdf women portraits and an additional portrait of the poet and author.

Printed by: Mourlot Freres, Paris

Published by: John-Antone Nau

Edition: The total edition was 250. Of this 200 were on Arches paper. Our rarer items are from the additional suite on Japan which had an edition ion just 50. In addition to these there was a suite of 25 Hors Commerce proofs reserved for Collaborators and family. Size: 383 x 292 mms (Paper size)

Condition: In very good condition.

Reference: Duthuit Ouvrages Illustres Number 37

Size: 383 x 292 mms (Paper size)