The Abduction of Europe 1929

Henri Matisse made this painting of ‘The Abduction of Europe’ with oils, maybe on canvas, I’m not sure, but it has that kind of matte feel. You can imagine him, can't you? Maybe he was thinking about that old myth while he was painting it. What you see is pale washes of color, like watercolors, only with a more velvety feel. The lines almost look like they've been quickly and freely sketched in charcoal. Check out how the bull's tail seems to float and merge right into the background. I wonder, was Matisse thinking about the sea? The painting feels like he might have been going for a swim. The whole thing feels light, floaty, gestural, and it is full of odd decisions. I always feel a connection to other painters when I see a painting like this. It reminds me of a conversation across time and space. It’s like we’re all in this weird, amazing club together.