Blue Nude II (1952) by Henri Matisse - Poster

The Blue Nudes series was originally crafted using painted paper cut-outs that were trimmed, layered, and glued together. The visible seams, colour shifts, and texture quirks are all part of the authentic pieces. Instead of tidying these details digitally, we’ve opted to present the artworks as faithfully as possible.

Blue shapes fold into a soft, steady rhythm. This poster showcases Henri Matisse’s Blue Nude II from 1952, a highlight from his later cut-out phase. Painted papers were cut and arranged into a single deep ultramarine figure, with its outlines pared back to the essentials. The body creases, the white background opens up, and the movement feels gentle, not rushed.

From a design perspective, a focused colour palette like this acts as a firm anchor in a room. It complements natural timber, linen fabrics, and sleek architecture, while giving a bold nod to modernism. To create a harmonious feature wall, have a browse through our wider range of Matisse prints and play with different shades and sizes.

• Rich blue cut-out silhouette with delicate paper texture hints.
• Well-balanced negative space that invites light and spaciousness.
• Pairs effortlessly with neutral tones, stone, and soft furnishings.
• Looks great on its own above a console or as part of a gallery wall.

Matisse’s cut-outs simplify form and colour into pure clarity, which is why this piece fits beautifully in both traditional and modern Kiwi homes. Available in a range of sizes to suit your space. Interested in the artist’s later years and his playful use of scissors? check out the story behind Matisse’s joyful cut-out period. Choose your size and let the blue colours set the vibe.