Pasiphaé, Chant de Mino, Henri Matisse

In 1944, Henry Matisse illustrated Henri de Montherlant’s contemporary retelling of Pasiphae, Chant de Minos. Matisse was inspired by the tale of the Minoan bull and channeled his energy into capturing it’s universal themes of love, beauty, and passion. Matisse used linoleum for this project. He liked this soft, malleable material because it captured the subtle movements of his hand.

This piece is one of the original prints produced by the publisher Martin Fabiani and includes documents of authenticity.