Nadia - Face with Slanted Eyes (Nadia - Visage aux yeux obliques) 1948

Henri Matisse created "Nadia - Face with Slanted Eyes", using lithography to capture a face with striking simplicity. The early 20th century was marked by an increased interest in diverse cultural representations and the challenge of traditional European aesthetics. Matisse, positioned within this changing landscape, engaged with representing the human form. Here the sitter's slightly tilted eyes invite questions about the artist’s perspective and the sitter’s identity. Is it a move toward cultural appreciation, or does it perpetuate a sense of otherness? The stark contrast between the black lines and the white background creates a sense of immediacy, almost as if the viewer is encountering Nadia directly. The face is both intimate and distant, inviting the viewer to contemplate the complexities of seeing and being seen.