Description:Created in 1946, this Original Lithograph, published by Chapelle du Rosaire, was created as part of the La Chapelle du Rosaire (Chapel of the Rosary) project. This is a rare work in excellent condition, pulled from the edition of only 60.
A crisp yellow background beautifully accentuates the black gestural lines of this mother and child image. Composed of graceful contours in a minimal composition, this work possesses a universal appeal—emphasizing joy, peace and the innate sanctity of maternal bonds. Matisse began the Chapelle du Rosaire project when his close friend, Monique Bourgeois, entered the Dominican order and became Sister Jacques-Marie. Matisse and Bourgeois had enjoyed a close and devoted relationship, and upon her decision to enter religious life, Matisse’s devotion followed as the two collaborated on the creation of a sacred chapel for the Dominicans. In this project, Matisse would be the artist and designer for all construction, decoration, and religious implements. From the design of the grand exterior cross to the exquisite stained glass and ceramic walls, Matisse employed painstaking efforts to construct a harmonious and holy space for his beloved friend. Perhaps his careful involvement and dedication to the project was a means of reconciling the “loss” of Bourgeois to the religious order. As a Dominican, Bourgeois was less available and had assumed a conformed identity with the other sisters. This sense of anonymity is directly evident in La Vierge et l’Enfant, as both Mary and Jesus are depicted without discerning facial features. Simultaneously, despite the lack of distinguishing characteristics, Matisse has given life to the figures, as they seem to posses a full and mysterious sense of identity. This is a remarkable lithograph that is fascinating for its artistic and personal meaning to Matisse. It is both delicate in subject matter and strong in its artistic execution. A rare piece in excellent condition.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).
1) A Masterworks Fine Art, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with museum quality archival materials, this work is set in a classic Italian style bronze and gold frame. The soft linear elements of the moulding compliment the gestural and linear quality of this work. The subtle gold tones with bronze highlights are the perfect compliment to the crisp, yellow background of the piece. Complete with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover to ensure lasting quality.
