Henri Matisse Madame Matisse poster (1913)

An elegant sitter reclines in a green slatted chair, her face pared back to serene arcs and ovals. A black lace hat, a yellow scarf and a plum jacket provide a few telling details, giving the portrait a quiet presence. Mauve, teal and slate shades fill the background without distracting from the figure. Her relaxed pose has an easy sophistication. Henri Matisse, a pioneer of Fauvism, distils colour and line into a portrait that feels both contemporary and intimate.

Want to create a wall with a similar feel? Browse our handpicked range of Matisse prints and bring a consistent rhythm to your space.

Design notes: cool purples and blue-greys meet a warm ochre accent. Pair it with walnut frames, sage walls or charcoal upholstery. Display it on its own as a composed focal point, or alongside abstract works and contour drawings. This poster comes in a range of sizes.

• Plum, teal, slate blue and ochre hues
• Soft geometric shapes with pared-back line work
• Available in several sizes to suit your layout
• At home in modern, eclectic and mid-century interiors, from city flats to Kiwi homes

Matisse’s clear use of colour and economy of line helped shape 20th-century painting, and the beginnings of his later cut-outs can already be seen here. For more background, read our feature on Matisse’s adventurous life and simple everyday pleasures. Choose a size and let this portrait find its place in your room.