Nu. Étude de torsion du corps 1926

Henri Matisse drew this nude, titled 'Nu. Étude de torsion du corps' with graphite, giving us a masterclass in simplicity and form. It’s a drawing that really shows his process. I love how the shading is all these short, nervous marks that build up the form gradually. See how he uses denser clusters of graphite to create the shadows around the model’s body, giving her weight and volume. The sketchy quality makes the whole composition feel so alive, like he’s trying to capture a fleeting moment, a gesture. And notice how the background is almost like a Matisse cut-out – those floral and curlicue shapes are so playful. It’s cool to think about how his friend Picasso was working with similar ideas around the same time, breaking down the figure into simpler forms. But while Picasso went all angular and fractured, Matisse kept things sensual, flowing, and ultimately, human. Art’s just one big conversation, right?