Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Matisse by Volkmar Essers is a captivating exploration of the renowned artist's life and work. Filled with stunning images of his paintings and sculptures, this book offers a comprehensive look at Matisse's extraordinary creative vision.
In Matisse by Volkmar Essers, we delve into the life of Henri Matisse, a revolutionary artist of the 20th century. The book begins with Matisse's early life in Bohain-en-Vermandois, a small town in northern France. Born in 1869, Matisse trained as a lawyer before discovering his passion for painting, which led him to Paris in 1891.
Essers outlines the influences that shaped Matisse's art during his formative years, including his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts and his exposure to the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. These influences, combined with his own unique vision, laid the foundation for Matisse's distinctive style.
The book then delves into the Fauvist movement, a pivotal period in Matisse's career. Alongside fellow artists like André Derain, Matisse became a leading figure in this avant-garde group, known for their bold use of color and rejection of traditional perspective. The term "Fauves" or "wild beasts" was coined to describe their unconventional approach to art.
Essers explores Matisse's Fauvist works, such as Woman with a Hat and The Joy of Life, highlighting the artist's mastery of color and form. Despite the initial shock and criticism these works received, Matisse remained undeterred, staying true to his artistic vision.
Continuing our journey through Matisse, we witness the artist's exploration of different forms and mediums. Matisse's travels to the South of France and Morocco inspired a series of paintings and drawings that reflected his fascination with exotic landscapes and cultures. His use of line and form evolved, leading to a more simplified and expressive style.
In addition to painting, Matisse ventured into sculpture and printmaking, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. Essers provides insights into Matisse's creative process, shedding light on his meticulous approach to composition and his ability to imbue his works with a sense of harmony and rhythm.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Matisse's cut-out technique, a method he developed in his later years due to declining health. Using paper painted with gouache, Matisse created vibrant, abstract compositions, such as The Snail and The Blue Nudes, which are now considered some of his most iconic works.
Essers examines the significance of the cut-outs in Matisse's oeuvre, highlighting their role in pushing the boundaries of traditional painting and emphasizing the artist's enduring creativity. The book also touches on Matisse's final years and his continued dedication to art despite physical limitations.
In the concluding sections of Matisse, Essers discusses the artist's legacy and enduring influence. Matisse's revolutionary use of color and form, his fearless experimentation, and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression have left an indelible mark on the art world.
In essence, Matisse offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and work of this visionary artist. Through insightful analysis and stunning visuals, the book provides a deeper understanding of Matisse's artistic evolution and his enduring impact on modern art.
Matisse by Volkmar Essers offers an in-depth exploration of the life and work of the renowned French artist Henri Matisse. Through beautiful illustrations and insightful commentary, the book delves into Matisse's revolutionary approach to color, form, and composition, providing a comprehensive overview of his extraordinary artistic legacy.
Art enthusiasts who want to learn more about the life and work of Henri Matisse
Students and scholars studying modern art and its influential figures
Readers looking for a visually stunning and informative exploration of Matisse's artistic evolution
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma