Study for Anemones and Woman (Study for “Odalisque, Harmony in Blue”)
1937
Henri Matisse French, 1869–1954
France
In this study, the pattern of flowers on the page merges with that of the woman on the right. Matisse drew a flower over her mouth and her midsection, suggesting feminine fertility and erotic sensuality. The pewter vase was a favorite prop of Matisse’s, as it appears repeatedly in his works.
Pen and black ink on ivory wove paper