Trivaux Pond 1917

Henri Matisse created *Trivaux Pond* using oil paint on canvas. Matisse applied the paint in a relatively loose manner. The visible brushstrokes give the painting a lively, immediate quality. It’s clear that he wasn't trying to replicate reality in a photographic way, but instead sought to capture the essence of the scene, its mood and atmosphere. The materiality of oil paint is crucial here. The way it can be layered, blended, and manipulated allowed Matisse to create depth and texture. The colors are rich and vibrant, yet also muted and harmonious, creating a sense of tranquility and depth. It is a kind of labor that is a slow, solitary immersion. By emphasizing the materiality and process of painting, Matisse reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the physical act of creation. He elevates what painting can be.