"Icarus II" by Henri Matisse, painted in 1944, is a captivating exploration of the myth of Icarus, the figure from Greek mythology who famously flew too close to the sun. In this painting, Matisse presents a dynamic composition featuring bold colors and abstract forms that convey a sense of movement and energy. The central figure of Icarus is depicted with sweeping lines and vibrant hues, suggesting his flight through the sky. Matisse's use of color and form creates a striking visual impact, capturing the drama and excitement of the mythological narrative. Through "Icarus II," Matisse invites viewers to contemplate themes of ambition, risk-taking, and the consequences of hubris, while showcasing his innovative approach to composition and expression.
Title Icarus (Icare), maquette for plate VIII of the illustrated book Jazz
ArtistHenri Matisse (French Fauvist and Modernist; Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 31 December 1869 - Nice, 3 November 1954)
Year of creation1943-1944 (the Centre Pompidou catalogues the work as "1943?-44"; this is the original paper cut-out maquette, executed by Matisse during his convalescence in Vence after intestinal cancer surgery. He could no longer draw or paint easily with a pencil or brush, so he cut simple forms directly from sheets of gouache-painted paper to his own specifications and arranged them on a second gouache-painted sheet — a technique he called "drawing with scissors." Assistants prepared the resulting compositions for printing as the pochoirs published in 1947. The maquette shows Icarus's stretched-out arms negotiating flight, his fiery red heart cloaked in the vibrant black silhouette of his body, with bright yellow chunks of sun frozen around him in the moment of exhilaration just before the fatal fall. Centre Pompidou holds the maquettes for all twenty Jazz plates as a single dation. Note that there is also a distinct earlier 1943 cut-out by Matisse titled The Fall of Icarus [La Chute d'Icare], which is at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and which preceded the Jazz Icarus)
Technique/Medium43.4 x 34.1 cm
Original dimensions43.4 x 34.1 cm
Collection/MuseumCentre Pompidou, Musée national d'art moderne, Paris (Dation, 1985 — accepted by the French state in lieu of inheritance tax)
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I have the other Daniel painting also, the one where he is entering the lion's den. My daughter liked it so much, that I lent it to her, not sure I'd ever get it back so ordered this one. Keep it in the blue bedroom we use for visitors, always sparks a conversion.
Just love it !
I simply love the portrait of the three black cats! - flawless print, elegant frame and quick shipping with sufficient packaging.
I will be coming back for more!
Thank you! <3
Extremely clear and detailed. Photo is the print with museum grade glass.
You could look at it a hundred times and still notice a different detail each time.
We absolutely love this print! We framed it and displayed it in our sacred space area. Great addition to our decor and a powerful piece of art. Many thanks.
Okay, let me start by saying this is my favorite painting of all time. I love skulls. I am beyond thrilled to own this piece and show it off to all who enter! I cannot believe this was painted in 1533.. It stirs me. 10/10 piece. Easy.
I am attaching two photos of the upper left corner where the crucifix lies hidden in plain sight. I am disappointed that the wrap of the canvas wasn't very tight on this one. Because of the loose wrapping.. you can clearly see that the crucifix is mirrored from the printing job and it kind of ruins that corner of the piece because it is a detail you aren't suppose to notice right away. Unfortunately it sticks out in plain view. I plan to take black paint and just tape off the edge and fill the outer edge so the crucifix has a proper corner to inhabit. Although, I am hesitant to try and alter something so expensive.. Not sure what to do.
Solid as usual. Solid as always. The Last Days of Pompeii is dramatic and moody; just what I wanted. Print quality is sharp, colors are faithful. The artwork is theatrical, and work well on canvas. I'm a history nut and have had a fascination with Pompeii since my teens, so this one had to join my collection. Happy with it.
We made our first purchase from Inspiraggio, The Beheading of St John the Baptist | Caravaggio | 1608.
We absolutely love it. The quality and framing are amazing. It changes the whole room.
Thanks!!!
I ordered two paintings from Inspiraggio, and both are of incredible quality and remarkably faithful to the originals. The canvas and frame both feel sturdy, and the level of detail is truly impressive. I’m delighted with my purchases and would definitely order from them again in the future
Very pretty. I knew I had to have 'Vanity' when I saw it. 'The Great Red Dragon...' is... great as well. Both quality prints, really like how they look in my apartment.