Landscape of Corsica 1898

Henri Matisse captured this landscape of Corsica with oil on canvas using distinct brushwork. You can see how the materiality of the paint—its thickness and texture—plays a central role in the image. Matisse wasn't just applying color; he was actively building the scene with every stroke. Notice the impasto technique, where the paint is laid on so thickly that it stands out from the surface. This gives a three-dimensional quality to the trees and field, almost as if you could reach out and touch them. This technique suggests the amount of work involved in the production process. The painting reflects a direct engagement with the environment and an immediate response to it. Paying attention to materials and how the artist handled them opens up a deeper understanding and challenges any divide between art and craft.