Henri Matisse Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Wife, Books, Cause of Death, Awards

Henri Matisse was a French artist renowned for his extraordinary use of color and his fluid, expressive drawing style.

He was a leading figure in modern art and, along with Pablo Picasso, is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Matisse‘s vibrant and innovative work profoundly impacted the development of painting and sculpture.

Profile

•   Full name: Henri Émile Benoît Matisse
•   Date of birth: December 31, 1869
•   Age as of 2024: Would be 155 years old
•   Gender: Male
•   Place of birth: Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Nord, France
•   Nationality: French
•   Profession: Artist (Painter, Draughtsman, Printmaker, Sculptor)
•   Height: 5′ 4″ (163 cm)
•   Parents: Émile Hippolyte Matisse (father), Anna Heloise Gerard (mother)
•   Siblings: One brother, Auguste
•   Spouse: Amélie Noellie Parayre (married 1898)
•   Children: Marguerite, Jean, Pierre
•   Relationship status: Deceased
•   Religion: N/A
•   Ethnicity: White
•   Net worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Henri Émile Benoît Matisse, who would be 155 years old in 2024, was born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, in northern France. His parents, Émile Hippolyte Matisse and Anna Heloise Gerard, owned a grain business.

  Matisse‘s childhood was spent in the small town of Bohain-en-Vermandois, where he received a traditional education. He initially pursued a career in law, studying in Paris and working as a court administrator in Le Cateau-Cambrésis.  

However, a bout of appendicitis in 1889 proved to be a turning point in his life. While recovering, his mother gave him a paintbox to keep him occupied, and he discovered a passion for art that would forever change his path.

At age 20, Matisse abandoned his legal career and devoted himself to art, much to his father’s disapproval. He began by taking drawing classes at the Quentin de la Tour in Saint-Quentin, and in 1891, he moved to Paris to study art formally.

He enrolled at the Académie Julian, where he studied under William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Gustave Moreau. Moreau, a symbolist painter, encouraged Matisse‘s exploration of color and self-expression and recognized his unique talent.  

During this period, Matisse immersed himself in the Parisian art scene, visiting museums and galleries and copying the works of Old Masters. He was particularly drawn to the Impressionists, whose emphasis on light and color resonated with his artistic sensibilities.

Personal Life

In 1898, Matisse married Amélie Noellie Parayre. They had three children: Marguerite, Jean, and Pierre. Amélie was a constant presence in Matisse‘s life, serving as a model for many of his paintings and supporting his artistic endeavors.

Their relationship, however, was challenging. Matisse also had a daughter, Marguerite, born out of wedlock in 1894. Despite the complexities of his personal life, Matisse found solace and inspiration in his family, and his wife and children often appeared as subjects in his work.

Career

Matisse was a leading figure in the Fauvist movement, a group of artists who used intense, non-naturalistic colors to express emotion and create a sense of energy and dynamism in their paintings.  

Matisse’s Fauvist works, such as “Woman with a Hat (1905)” and “The Green Stripe (1905),” caused a sensation when they were exhibited, shocking and challenging the traditional art establishment. Throughout his long career, Matisse continued experimenting with different styles and techniques.

He explored the decorative qualities of pattern and design, creating visually striking and emotionally resonant works. He also produced numerous sculptures, drawings, and prints, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.  

In his later years, Matisse developed a new and innovative technique of creating images using cut-outs from brightly colored paper. These “cut-outs,” such as “The Snail (1953)” and “Memory of Oceania (1953),” are considered some of his most iconic and celebrated works.

Awards

•   Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur (1927)
•    Commander de la Légion d’honneur (1948)
•    Grand Prix National des Arts (1951)

Net Worth

Matisse‘s net worth during his lifetime is difficult to determine with precision but is estimated to be about $1 million. As a successful artist, his income came from selling his artwork and commissions. The value of his paintings has increased dramatically since his death, and his works are now among the most expensive ever sold at auction.

Death

Matisse died on November 3, 1954, in Nice, France, at 84. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking artistic innovation and a body of work that continues to inspire and influence artists today.

Controversy

Matisse‘s work, particularly his Fauvist paintings, was initially met with harsh criticism and controversy. Critics denounced his use of bold, non-naturalistic colors as “wild” and “savage.” Some even accused him of being insane.  

However, Matisse remained committed to his artistic vision, and his work gradually gained acceptance and acclaim. Today, he is recognized as a master of modern art, and his paintings are celebrated for their beauty, expressiveness, and revolutionary impact on the art world.

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Books

•   Jazz (1947) – A limited-edition artist’s book featuring colorful paper cut-outs and Matisse’s handwritten text.