French artist Marguerite Matisse takes center stage in a new exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris, showcasing over 100 works that capture her enduring bond with her father Henri Matisse.
Marguerite Duthuit-Matisse was not just her father’s muse but also his most enduring collaborator. The French artist ‘her father’ painted many subjects throughout his lifetime, but one he returned to again and again was his daughter, Marguerite. The Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris is now showcasing over 100 works that capture the essence of Marguerite, shedding new light on their complex bond.
Marguerite Duthuit-Matisse was a French art historian, writer, and the wife of renowned artist Henri Matisse.
Born in 1896, she met Matisse while studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
The couple married in 1917 and had two children together.
Marguerite was an advocate for her husband's work, often serving as his muse and confidante.
She also wrote extensively on art history, publishing several books on the subject.
Throughout her life, Marguerite remained devoted to Matisse's artistic vision, supporting him until his death in 1954.
A Life Marked by Pain and Beauty
Marguerite’s younger years were marked by pain and illness. She didn’t attend normal school due to poor health and became a ‘studio child,’ watching her father as he worked. Her first tracheotomy at age seven left a scar on her neck, which she often concealed with a black ribbon – a distinctive feature in many of her portraits. Despite this, Marguerite’s portraits exude an intensity that is both poignant and beautiful.
A Private Person, a Public Presence
Marguerite herself was quite a private person, only giving one interview in her lifetime, in 1970. When asked if she inspired her father, she dodged the question and spoke about his other models. This reluctance to speak about personal matters was shared among the Matisse family, but it’s known that Marguerite served as her father’s muse and later, his manager.
Marguerite Matisse, the wife of French artist Henri Matisse, was a woman with a unique and artistic personality.
Born in 1878, she was known for her intelligence, creativity, and strong will.
As a partner to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Marguerite played an important role in supporting 'one of the most influential artists of the 20th century'.
She also had a significant impact on his art, often serving as a model and muse for Henri Matisse.
With her own artistic talents and interests, Marguerite brought a distinctive perspective to their collaborative relationship.
A Complex Relationship
The exhibition ‘Matisse and Marguerite Through Her Father’s Eyes’ traces the bond between father and daughter, their mutual trust and respect. It also shines a light on Marguerite’s influence on Henri’s career and artistic oeuvre. The show features many rare works, including ‘Marguerite with a Black Cat,’ completed in 1910, which was painted in a blue dress against a green background. This painting is one of the most beautiful and radical portraits Matisse ever created.
Rare Works on View
Some of the rare works on view include ‘Chapeau de Roses,’ a portrait of Amélie Matisse from 1914, and ‘Marguerite endormie,’ painted in Étretat in 1920. This painting has not been shown in France for decades and is now part of the collection of the Norton Museum of Art. For fans of the artist, the exhibition may represent a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see certain pieces usually hidden away in American, Swiss, and Japanese collections.
Rare artworks are pieces of art that have limited availability, often due to their age, condition, or the artist's reputation.
These works can include paintings, sculptures, prints, and other forms of visual art.
According to a report by Artnet, only 1% of artworks sold at auction in 2020 were created before 1900.
The rarity of an artwork is determined by factors such as its provenance, condition, and the artist's reputation.
Rare artworks can sell for millions of dollars, making them highly sought after by collectors.
A Chance to Rediscover
‘Matisse and Marguerite Through Her Father’s Eyes’ is on view at the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris through August 24, 2025. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the complex relationship between Henri Matisse and his daughter Marguerite, and to appreciate the beauty and intensity of her portraits.
