Still Life With Oranges Ii 1899 by Henri Matisse
Still Life With Oranges Ii (1899)
A vibrant early work by Henri Matisse, capturing the essence of Post-Impressionist exploration through bold color and expressive form. This framed art print brings the master's influential composition to your space with museum-quality precision.
The Birth of Matisse's Color Revolution
Still Life With Oranges II marks a pivotal moment in Henri Matisse's early career, painted in 1899 when the artist was transitioning from Impressionist influences toward his revolutionary approach to color. This work belongs to a series of still lifes that reveal Matisse's deep engagement with Cézanne's structural composition while already hinting at the chromatic audacity that would define his mature style.
The painting captures a modest arrangement of oranges in a ceramic bowl, yet transforms this ordinary subject through an extraordinary interplay of color and form. Matisse's brushwork retains the broken color technique of Impressionism but begins to dissolve form into pure color relationships—a radical departure that would reach full expression in his Fauvist period just years later.
Matisse in 1899: Between Tradition and Revolution
When Matisse painted Still Life With Oranges II in 1899, he stood at a crossroads between artistic traditions and emerging modernist tendencies. Having recently studied with Gustave Moreau and encountered the works of Van Gogh and Gauguin at the Bernheim-Jeune gallery, Matisse was synthesizing disparate influences into what would become one of the most distinctive visual languages of the 20th century.
This period marked Matisse's liberation from the conservative academic training he received at the École des Beaux-Arts. The visible brushstrokes and unmodulated color patches in this work foreshadow the chromatic explosions of his Fauvist period, while the subject matter—domestic still life—anchors the composition in the long tradition of European painting that Matisse both revered and sought to transform.
From Brush to Canvas: Matisse's Method
Composition and Space
Matisse employs a deliberately flattened perspective in this work, rejecting the illusionistic space of traditional still life painting. The table surface tilts upward unnaturally, allowing all elements to exist on a single plane. This approach reflects his study of Cézanne's theory that nature should be treated "by the cylinder, the sphere, the cone."
Revolutionary Color Palette
The color relationships in Still Life With Oranges II reveal Matisse's emerging philosophy of color as emotional expression rather than visual accuracy. The juxtaposition of complementary hues creates visual vibration, while the unmodulated application of paint in distinct patches would become a hallmark of his mature style. Even in this early work, color begins to function as the primary structural element of the composition.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Henri Matisse |
| Original Year | 1899 |
| Art Style | Post-Impressionism |
| Subject Matter | Still life with fruit |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | Museum-quality archival paper |
| Frame | Sustainable hardwood frame with acid-free mat |
| Glazing | UV-protective acrylic |
| Shipping | Free worldwide shipping in 5-10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day return policy with no restocking fees |
Own This Post-Impressionist Treasure
Bring Matisse's revolutionary vision into your space with this museum-quality framed print, ready to hang with free worldwide shipping.
View Print DetailsCurating Your Space with Matisse
This 30×40 cm print makes a striking statement in both contemporary and traditional interiors. The warm orange tones complement terracotta walls or earth-toned decor, while the composition's dynamic energy enlivens minimalist spaces. For optimal visual impact, position the print at eye level in a living room, dining area, or home office where natural light can enhance the vibrant color relationships that define Matisse's early work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the frame included with the print?
Yes, each print comes with a premium frame included in the price. Our frames are crafted from sustainable hardwood with an acid-free mat to preserve the artwork.
Where do you ship and how long does delivery take?
We offer free worldwide shipping to all countries. Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days depending on your location.
What paper and printing methods are used?
We use archival-quality paper with giclée printing methods to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. The prints are designed to last without fading.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund.
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