Matisse moments
upside down, and a chapel
La Bateau—pictured properly above—a work of Catholic artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954), hung upside down in the New York’s Museum of Modern Art for forty-seven days before anyone noticed. During that period of October 18 to December 4, 1961, more than 115,000 people visited the museum. Matisse, known for pioneering fauvism, a style characterized by its use of strong colors, died in 1954, hence unaware of the faux pas below (Tucson Daily News, December 5, 1961).
What did Matisse consider his masterpiece? The Chapel of the Rosary in Nice. Dedicated in 1951 he was too ill to attend the dedication but wrote a letter read at the ceremony. “This work has taken me four years of exclusive and diligent work, and it is the result of my entire working life. Despite all its imperfections I consider it to be my masterpiece.”
'“I started with the secular and now in the evening of my life, I naturally end with the divine.”
You can read a detailed account of Matisse’s work on the chapel and find more photos here.
Henri Matisse is buried in the cemetery at Cimiez Monastery adjacent to the 15th century monastery and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. May he rest in peace.
If I had not been told what the squiggly lines and triangular shapes represented, I could readily say, with total confidence, "The mysteries of heaven and hell are more apparent than what Henri was trying to paint. Someone should get him more paints for his birthday so he could finish it." Thanks for sharing this proof that even the professionals don't get modern art.
I think it looks better upside down! 🙃
P.S. Not a fan of modern art! But followed the link and found the history interesting. Thank you‼️😊