When Henri Matisse undertook the illustration of "Les Fleurs du Mal" in August 1944, three models posed: Lydia Delectorskaya, his assistant and regular model, Annelies Nelck, a young Dutch student and Carmen Helouis, of Haitian origin. The curves of the hair, the creole and the necklace seem to respond to each other in a harmonious dialogue. The face of Carmen Helouis, the model for this drawing, is drawn with gentleness yet liveliness and precision. Due to the technique used - charcoal - the marks remain visible behind the final line, particularly around the model's shoulders. This work on paper is a precious testimony to Henri Matisse's creative process.

La Noire

Henri Matisse

SOLD

1944

Charcoal on Arches paper.

52 x 40.5 cm.

Signed Matisse and dated August 44 by the artist lower left.

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For Henri Matisse, the 1940s were an extremely flourishing period for illustrated books. After Florilège des Amours by Pierre de Ronsard, Poésies by Charles d'Orléans, Pasiphaé, Chant de Minos by Henry de Montherlant, the artist immersed himself in Charles Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du Mal. Executed in the summer of 1944, in charcoal facing the model Carmen Helouis, of Haitian origin, La Noire fed into the line-drawn faces of Les Fleurs du Mal inspired by the young woman. It featured in the Matisse exhibition at Galerie Maeght in December 1945.

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