Lorette with a Red Dress 1917

Henri Matisse painted this portrait, Lorette with a Red Dress, using oil paint on canvas. In this case, we’re dealing with traditional art materials and processes, but Matisse pushes them to expressive limits. The vibrant red of the dress is a key element, achieved through layers of pigment. You can almost feel the texture of the paint. The visible brushstrokes remind us of the physical act of painting, the labor involved. The same goes for the rendering of Lorette's face, which is clearly delineated. Matisse has not labored over the details. Instead, he wants to make a statement through the active engagement with materials. Consider also the social context, a professional model in an elaborate garment. Matisse draws our attention to the artifice of the scene, using bright color and heavy paint to create an image that emphasizes the making of the work as much as the subject herself. This challenges traditional notions of portraiture.