The Red Couch 1919 - 1920

Henri Matisse made this painting, “The Red Couch,” with oil on canvas. The support of the painting is a finely woven textile stretched over a wood frame. Matisse applies the paint with brushes to build up layers of color and texture. The materiality of the paint and the way it is applied are crucial to understanding the artwork. The visible brushstrokes and the way the colors blend together create a sense of movement and energy. Matisse was working within a traditional, historical medium, but pushing the boundaries to be experimental with texture and color to create an immersive experience. Matisse was part of the post-impressionist movement and focused on form and color, rather than a high degree of realism. The flat planes of color, simplified forms, and bold contrasts create a sense of visual vibrancy. The painting reflects the artist’s labor and invites us to consider the value of craft and artistic expression. By looking at “The Red Couch” through the lens of materials and process, we can see how it challenges traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.