French, 1869-1954
Large Seated Nude (Grand Nu assis), 1922-29 (cast 1952) Bronze, 30 1/2 x 31 5/8 x 13 5/8 in. (77.5 x 80.3 x 34.6 cm.)
Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection, Dallas, Texas
1983.A.08
Label Text
This sculpture is among Matisse's most powerful representations of female form. The pose would, in reality, be difficult to hold. The upper body thrusts out into space, barely counterbalanced by the large legs locked strongly together. The rhythmical movement of the figure's contour seems almost to explode upward and outward.
The dynamic composition is reinforced by Matisse's improvisational treatment of anatomy. Working on this sculpture off-and-on over several years, Matisse gradually increased the size of the figure, making it one of his largest sculptures. Ever more aggressively, he faceted, sliced and exaggerated its forms, lending the figure its final monumental power.