Brassai photos of matisse works

Photograph by Brassaï, 'Henri Matisse dans son atelier' [Henri Matisse in his studio], Paris, , gelatin silver print

Black and white photograph of a man with white hair and a white beard, wearing glasses and white overalls over checked dark trousers.

He is seated in front of a leafy plant, which he is drawing in a pad on his lap.

' Bottom right, stamped in purple ink: '© by BRASSAÏ / 81, Faubourg St-Jacques / PARIS 14eme Tél. ' Bottom, black ink: 'Matisse dans son atelier / A' Bottom right, stamped in black ink: 'SUCCESSION / BRASSAÏ / ESTATE'

Bequest of Gilberte Boyer Brassaï

This object came to the museum as part of a bequest of 99 photographs by Brassaï from his widow, Madame Gilberte Boyer.

Hungarian-born Brassaï moved from Berlin to Paris in , where he remained for the rest of his life.

There, he became acquainted with many artists of the day, including Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Henri Matisse. Brassaï is most well-known for his images of Parisian life, depicting brothels, prostitutes, city streets, architecture and high society alike. However, he also photographed his artist friends, often in their studios or with their work.

This photograph depicts the famous Post-Impressionist painter Henri Matisse at work in his studio, drawing a plant from life.

These images provide a rare insight into the habits and practice of these twentieth century masters, whose doors were not always open to this kind of personal documentation.

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