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Taschen Basic Art
Matisse
Henri Matisse (1869-1954), a cofounder of Fauvism, understood the expressive power of pure colors and simple forms. As seen here, his color harmonies can be analogous to musical compositions, complex and expressive. Full-color reproductions and thorough text provide a quick yet solid introduction to this master.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 10, 2010
TASCHEN's "Basic Art" series consists of fairly inexpensive, full-colour introductions to dozens of painters running just under 100 pages each. Though these can be rather variable in quality, this installment dedicated to Henri Matisse is great. Matisse was a "Master of Color", as the book's subtitle goes, and his paintings here are in explosively gorgeous reproduction. The paintings appear in chronological order (not always a given with the "Basic Art" series), which allows the reader to understand at a glance Matisse's gradual stylistic evolution.
Volkmar Essers' text is quite informative. He splits Matisse's life and work into five periods, "In Quest of Pure Colour" 1869-1905, "Realism and Decoration" 1906-1916, "The Intimacy of the Nice Period" 1917-1928, "Beyond Spatial Limits" 1930-1940 and "Matisse's Second Life: an Art of Grace" 1941-1954. His comments on the paintings are insightful and never lost in navel-gazing, drawing the reader's eye to perhaps hitherto unnoticed nuances in the works. Extracts from Matisse's writings appear in the margins, so one can additionally read the painter's own feelings about his work.
The "Basic Art" books are meant to be only introductions, and thus their coverage is a bit superficial. I could complain that the canvases of Matisse's last period are given fairly little space here, but hey, the book has got me hooked on Matisse's painting and I'm going to move on to a more expansive look at his art anyway.
Volkmar Essers' text is quite informative. He splits Matisse's life and work into five periods, "In Quest of Pure Colour" 1869-1905, "Realism and Decoration" 1906-1916, "The Intimacy of the Nice Period" 1917-1928, "Beyond Spatial Limits" 1930-1940 and "Matisse's Second Life: an Art of Grace" 1941-1954. His comments on the paintings are insightful and never lost in navel-gazing, drawing the reader's eye to perhaps hitherto unnoticed nuances in the works. Extracts from Matisse's writings appear in the margins, so one can additionally read the painter's own feelings about his work.
The "Basic Art" books are meant to be only introductions, and thus their coverage is a bit superficial. I could complain that the canvases of Matisse's last period are given fairly little space here, but hey, the book has got me hooked on Matisse's painting and I'm going to move on to a more expansive look at his art anyway.
July 3, 2011
A nice collection of clear, well-produced prints, and at a low-price. The text itself is uninspired (hence the missing star).
On a side note, can anyone supply me with the date of Matisse's L'Olivier -- I cannot find it by googling "Matisse's l'Olivier", b/c of the damned heist... Thanks in advance...
On a side note, can anyone supply me with the date of Matisse's L'Olivier -- I cannot find it by googling "Matisse's l'Olivier", b/c of the damned heist... Thanks in advance...
January 16, 2025
indubtable que Matisse era un gran pintor, i aquest llibre o reflexa.
Està molt ben sintetitzada tota la seva obra en un llibre prou amè i entretingut, personalment m'hauria agradat fer més èmfasi en la seva etapa fauvista que considero que és per la qual se'l coneix.
Més enllà d'això, crec que és una mica tediós el fet de descriure una obra la qual la imatge es troba en una altra pàgina, és una mica confós i enrevessat haver d'anar passant pàgines per veure-llegir l'obra i la seva descripció.
Un llibre molt maco que recomano a qualsevol persona que li agradi mínimament l'art.
*El primer llibre de l’any!
Està molt ben sintetitzada tota la seva obra en un llibre prou amè i entretingut, personalment m'hauria agradat fer més èmfasi en la seva etapa fauvista que considero que és per la qual se'l coneix.
Més enllà d'això, crec que és una mica tediós el fet de descriure una obra la qual la imatge es troba en una altra pàgina, és una mica confós i enrevessat haver d'anar passant pàgines per veure-llegir l'obra i la seva descripció.
Un llibre molt maco que recomano a qualsevol persona que li agradi mínimament l'art.
*El primer llibre de l’any!
January 13, 2021
Would have appreciated more detailed and insightful formal analysis and evaluation.
Read
March 13, 2022Matisse zelf krijgt 5 sterren en de kwaliteit van de afbeeldingen in dit boek ook maar het inhoudelijke verhaal voelde een beetje net niet...
January 24, 2021
Matisse is one of my favorite painters, but I wanted to know other details about his art and life.
I discovered so much more about him by reading this book, and I think every Matisse-lover should read it!
I discovered so much more about him by reading this book, and I think every Matisse-lover should read it!
January 27, 2024
This book was short and easy to read. However, I didn't find Henri Matisse to have been a very interesting person. What I did notice, though, as I studied his paintings, was his use of mostly the primary colors in his work. He did use a lot of green as well as black and white and occasionally secondary and tertiary colors, but mostly the primary colors.
Then at almost the end of the book when the author wrote about Matisse's painting called 'Red Interior, Still Life on a Blue Table', he says,
"The artist has shrewdly kept to a very few tones of yellow, red, blue, and green - Matisse, after all, held that "an avalanche of colours loses all its force. Colour can achieve its full expressive power only if it is organized, and its degree of intensity corresponds to the emotion in the artist."
I found it intriguing that he said "...and its degree of intensity corresponds to the emotion in the artist." Years ago when I first began learning art history and became an artist myself, I was under the impression that the artist must be trying to appeal to the emotion in the viewer of their art.
Yet in recent years of my further studies, I have found the opposite to be true. I believe artists are better off expressing our own emotions in our art despite how others will respond to it. Artists are better off creating art for ourselves first. Then if our art invokes similar emotions in others, that is icing on the cake, in my humble opinion.
Then at almost the end of the book when the author wrote about Matisse's painting called 'Red Interior, Still Life on a Blue Table', he says,
"The artist has shrewdly kept to a very few tones of yellow, red, blue, and green - Matisse, after all, held that "an avalanche of colours loses all its force. Colour can achieve its full expressive power only if it is organized, and its degree of intensity corresponds to the emotion in the artist."
I found it intriguing that he said "...and its degree of intensity corresponds to the emotion in the artist." Years ago when I first began learning art history and became an artist myself, I was under the impression that the artist must be trying to appeal to the emotion in the viewer of their art.
Yet in recent years of my further studies, I have found the opposite to be true. I believe artists are better off expressing our own emotions in our art despite how others will respond to it. Artists are better off creating art for ourselves first. Then if our art invokes similar emotions in others, that is icing on the cake, in my humble opinion.
October 23, 2020
Een boek over Matisse, of meer bepaald over Matisse' kunst, dat je er vooral een overzicht van geeft, zodat je er zélf betekenis in kunt zoeken.
Alleen omdat Matisse ervan hield en erdoor geïnspireerd werd, maakt nog niet van elke vorm een 'arabesk'. Het doet uitschijnen dat de auteur meer in Matisse' werken wil zien dan eigenlijk het geval is, wellicht onder invloed van Matisse' eigen (heel interessante) reflecties over zijn kunst. Voor de lezer is het wezen van Matisse bijgevolg niet altijd goed te ontdekken, zeker als de illustraties niet overal even handig zijn geplaatst. Dat maakt de evolutie soms ook moeilijk zichtbaar, terwijl het boek het daar wel om te doen is. Verder zijn er ook redelijk wat gaten in de tekst: de info die achteraan in de chronologische levenslijn vermeld staat, komt bijvoorbeeld niet per se terug in het boek zelf, en niet alle biografische informatie is correct.
Desalniettemin een prima basiswerk dat de evolutie in Matisse' oeuvre in brede lijnen weet te illustreren.
Alleen omdat Matisse ervan hield en erdoor geïnspireerd werd, maakt nog niet van elke vorm een 'arabesk'. Het doet uitschijnen dat de auteur meer in Matisse' werken wil zien dan eigenlijk het geval is, wellicht onder invloed van Matisse' eigen (heel interessante) reflecties over zijn kunst. Voor de lezer is het wezen van Matisse bijgevolg niet altijd goed te ontdekken, zeker als de illustraties niet overal even handig zijn geplaatst. Dat maakt de evolutie soms ook moeilijk zichtbaar, terwijl het boek het daar wel om te doen is. Verder zijn er ook redelijk wat gaten in de tekst: de info die achteraan in de chronologische levenslijn vermeld staat, komt bijvoorbeeld niet per se terug in het boek zelf, en niet alle biografische informatie is correct.
Desalniettemin een prima basiswerk dat de evolutie in Matisse' oeuvre in brede lijnen weet te illustreren.
December 12, 2024
me ha encantado!!! amo el arteeeeee y matisse
February 25, 2013
Picked this up at Barnes & Noble Sunday with my gift card from nephew Seb. I'm not a big Matisse fan but some of his stuff is excellent. He should've taken one more step into Rothko-land though... The flat cover says "Matisse" but the side/vertical binding reads "Henri Matisse".
All done now and not so much more impressed with HM than before. I like his stuff but don't "get" the big deal about his place in art history. Seems like Cezanne(who influenced him a LOT) is far more significant and talented. Nice book though.
All done now and not so much more impressed with HM than before. I like his stuff but don't "get" the big deal about his place in art history. Seems like Cezanne(who influenced him a LOT) is far more significant and talented. Nice book though.
June 13, 2017
At under a hundred pages, this is an amazing look at Matisse and his art. the comments are well done revealing some of the artist's life and the comments on the art are not overdone. Amazing reproduced photos of his art that is true to the vibrant colors that are Matisse. What a nice escape on a hot summer day that allow me to just sit, breathe slowly and enjoy.
October 7, 2025
I’m pretty sure this will be the year that my love of art went beyond me dilettantely appreciating it and me really cultivating a true passion and fascination for it. Matisse, Fauvism and this book especially are so important in that journey.
Idk how to explain but last year learning what Fauvism was and properly tapping into it this year was one of the first times I really felt so seen and just internally represented in a painting sense. It makes so much sense to me and I just understand it all that Matisse immediately became one of my favourites.
Idk if he’s Number 1 (him and Picasso are battling it out with the more I read and know about them lol) but what I do know is this book is something special.
Colour means so much to me and is bigger than it being “just a few tones” and Matisse/ this book understands that in abundance and even has added onto the different ways to perceive it all in my opinion. Excuse the word vomit lol all I know is that - this is one of my favourite reads of the year (and is another book I know imma end up buying one day to have around my house to casually flick through one any random day).
Peak Coffee Table Book. Able to succinctly and clearly run us through Henri and his career while also letting us have an idea of the man and how important it is to his work (and how intertwined it is - like a truly great way to even be aware of his painting highlights and all the different eras he’s gone through that I find to be so inspiring). All I know is that the ‘
TASCHEN’ series for Painters is one imma be sifting through as the years go by 😅🤧🤧🫡🤝🏾🫦🤤.
“IN QUEST OF PURE COLOUR”
Idk how to explain but last year learning what Fauvism was and properly tapping into it this year was one of the first times I really felt so seen and just internally represented in a painting sense. It makes so much sense to me and I just understand it all that Matisse immediately became one of my favourites.
Idk if he’s Number 1 (him and Picasso are battling it out with the more I read and know about them lol) but what I do know is this book is something special.
Colour means so much to me and is bigger than it being “just a few tones” and Matisse/ this book understands that in abundance and even has added onto the different ways to perceive it all in my opinion. Excuse the word vomit lol all I know is that - this is one of my favourite reads of the year (and is another book I know imma end up buying one day to have around my house to casually flick through one any random day).
Peak Coffee Table Book. Able to succinctly and clearly run us through Henri and his career while also letting us have an idea of the man and how important it is to his work (and how intertwined it is - like a truly great way to even be aware of his painting highlights and all the different eras he’s gone through that I find to be so inspiring). All I know is that the ‘
TASCHEN’ series for Painters is one imma be sifting through as the years go by 😅🤧🤧🫡🤝🏾🫦🤤.
“IN QUEST OF PURE COLOUR”
October 9, 2023
Taschen's "Basic Art" series on Matisse by Volkmar Essers offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the iconic artist's life and work. Essers skillfully navigates through Matisse's diverse artistic phases, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of his evolution as a master of color and form. The inclusion of high-quality reproductions allows the audience to appreciate the nuances of Matisse's creations. Essers strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making this book an excellent entry point for those new to Matisse while still offering valuable insights for seasoned art enthusiasts.
April 10, 2021
This book is a very short Biography of French artist Henry Matisse. It covers the main stages of Matisse's life and his most recognizable artworks.
As a Biography I liked very much because it’s short - in my view, often biographies tend to be too long, dispersive and so boring. This book helped me understand Matisse’s most important experiences and developments in his life and work. However, as often it is for art monograph they tend to write about the artworks which is not of my interest - I like to interpret artworks on my own.
As a Biography I liked very much because it’s short - in my view, often biographies tend to be too long, dispersive and so boring. This book helped me understand Matisse’s most important experiences and developments in his life and work. However, as often it is for art monograph they tend to write about the artworks which is not of my interest - I like to interpret artworks on my own.
February 13, 2021
Throughout Matisse’s life decorative and realistic faces were to alternate. One work will be so nearly abstract as to exclude realistic spatiality; another will be formed by careful scrutiny of given reality, down to the last brushstroke. In this ambivalence we may see the unceasing dichotomy of oriental and occidental aesthetics in Matisse, or equally the split in the artist between the more romantic and the more soberly scientific sides of his temperament.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
dit is het soort boek dat je meestal niet "leest" maar dat eerder leuk is om doorheen te bladeren op de wc. ik ben tegen die neiging ingegaan door dit toch cover-to-cover te lezen (weliswaar toch deels op de wc). de prentjes en info zijn leuk, maar ik vond de tekst nogal rommelig en niet echt goed geschreven. ze bracht weinig bij dat je niet in een helderdere vorm uit wikipedia zou kunnen opsteken
February 16, 2020
Taschen always produces a good art book, but this is one of my favorites. The biography is insightful and well-written, and there were quite a few pieces of Matisse's work reproduced here that I was not familiar with. Useful both as an introduction to the artist, and as a supplement for those already familiar with his work.
January 6, 2021
Je ne connaissais pas beaucoup de choses à propos de cet artiste des couleurs, mais après avoir lu ce livre et avoir eu la chance de voir plusieurs de ses oeuvres, je peux dire que je l'aime bien. Il n'est pas un de mes préférés, mais l'art, c'est toujours fascinant.
May 12, 2022
Without a doubt, the best book on Matisse I've read. Not to mention color photos of his work on almost every page. In that I'm studying Matisse right now, to enhance my own daily art practice, this is THE book that has enlightened me the most. Highly recommended. N
July 13, 2023
buen resumen sobre la técnica de matisse. aprendí dema sobre su trabajo. hubiera deseado que incluyera más información personal del artista para que se profundizara más en el significado de sus obras en ese sentido. excelente explicación overall ⭐️
October 24, 2024
Llibre essencial per entendre la pintura de Matisse. Igual esperava una mica més informació de la seva biografia per entendre encara més la seva obra, però el trobo molt complet. Poso aquesta nota també perquè a vegades m'ha costat llegir segons quines parts.
May 28, 2025
A lovely collection of paintings by Henri Matisse, showcasing his finest works. The book is accompanied by the history and thoughts behind the works. Truly recommend everyone who loves Matisse reading this.
October 30, 2017
Not bad for 31p!
July 21, 2019
small edition with color plates, summary of some of his periods
February 15, 2021
I read this for inspiration for my own paintings. It was a good easy read of Matisse, his works, and life.
August 6, 2022
I fell in love with Matisse's works even more after reading this. A great and accessible introduction and overview to his art and life. Beautiful, good-quality coffee table book.
September 22, 2023
Great introduction to Matisse.
May 18, 2024
Nice reference book for some of Matisse work.
December 13, 2024
Excellent. Made me order JAZZ. I need more Matisse!
January 2, 2025
Como todos los Taschen, útil para consultas y con ilustraciones de calidad.
El problema es que no satisface una lectura lineal, debido a la falta de inspiración del texto.
El problema es que no satisface una lectura lineal, debido a la falta de inspiración del texto.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews