Henri Matisse (1869–1954) turned to lithography at several points across his career, producing prints that carry the same tonal sensitivity and fluid line associated with his paintings and drawings. Lithography's ability to hold soft gradations of tone suited his interest in pattern, odalisque subjects and portraiture, particularly during his years working in Nice in the 1920s and 1930s.
Matisse typically worked with experienced master printers, and his lithographs were produced in limited, numbered editions, generally signed by the artist. As with any limited-edition print, the specific edition size, numbering and the printer's chop mark or blindstamp are part of what a collector should verify.
Condition considerations for a Matisse lithograph include paper tone and any fading, the sharpness of the tonal register (lithography is sensitive to plate wear over a print run), margins, and evidence of past framing such as mat burn or light exposure. As with all works on paper, provenance documentation and, where available, inclusion in a recognised catalogue raisonné strengthen confidence in authenticity.
Our specialists can help you understand the edition, technique and condition of a specific Matisse lithograph, and advise on framing and care for works on paper.
