Henri Matisse

1861- 1954

Painter

Originally trained for a legal career, Henri Matisse turned to painting at age 21 and became one of the artistic luminaries of the 20th century. Though he moved through a variety of stylistic influences, Matisse's personal style of color and form eventually emerged.

His great works include "Harmony in Red" (1908), "Dance and Music" (1909-10) and "Bather By a River" (1917). Matisse was also an accomplished sculptor known for his bronze reliefs.

He produced illustrated books, theater designs and murals, and his work on the Chapelle de Rosaire in Vence (1949-51) is considered one of his most important design schemes.