Henri Matisse Danseuse endormi au divan (Dancer sleeping on couch), 1925-26, is part of a portfolio titled Dix Danseuses (Ten Dancers) consisting of 10 lithographs. The series is a study of a dancer and shows her in different positons, both seated and lying down. The portfolio was published in 1927. Danseuse endormi au divan (Dancer sleeping on couch) shows a dancer laying on a divan. She lays on her right side, with her right arm curving to cradle her head. Her left arm is tucked up under her chin. The skirt she wears scrunches up beneath her body and she rests. Her expression is relaxed as she sleeps and her body reflects this as her right hand blooms open. To observe someone in their moments of rest reflects an intimacy shared – one that we are privileged to become a part of once we turn our gaze onto this artwork.

Matisse was introduced to the world of dance and theater in 1919 when he worked for Ballets Russes, a traveling Ballet company based in Paris. While there, Matisse worked on costumes. His knowledge of ballet costumes is evident in his exquisite rendition of the sleeping dancer.

Created c. 1925-1926, the lithograph on Arches paper is part of the Dix Danseuses series. Hand-signed by Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 – Nice, 1954) in pencil in the lower right margin, this lithograph is numbered from the edition of 130 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Matisse Danseuse endormi au divan from Dix Danseuses (Dancer sleeping on couch from Ten Dancers), 1925-6 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Duthuit-Matisse, M. & Duthuit, C. Henri Matisse: Catalogue raisonné d l’oeuvre grave établi avec la collaboration de Françoise Garnaud. Paris: Duthuit Publishers, 1983. Listed and illustrated in the catalogue raisonné as no. 485.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Matisse Danseuse endormi au divan from Dix Danseuses (Dancer sleeping on couchI from Ten Dancers), 1925-6 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.