Henri Matisse's "Blue Nude II" Mug - A masterpiece of artistry for the everyday home, this mug brings the elegance of one of Matisse's most iconic works into the realm of daily life. Perfect for art lovers, collectors, or as a unique gift for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or housewarming events.
Product Details:
Material: High-quality ceramic and porcelain
- 10 oz Mug: Exclusively crafted from porcelain for a premium feel.
- All other mugs: Made of durable ceramic.
Capacity Options:
- 10 oz (porcelain)
- 11 oz (standard size, with colored interior, rim, and handle)
- 15 oz
- 17 oz
Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe for convenience.
Safety: Lead-free and BPA-free for worry-free use.
Design: © tazzarte.com - Exclusive artwork integration.
Artwork: Henri Matisse's "Blue Nude II" from Verve: Volume IX, Numbers 35-36, Dernieres Oeuvres de Matisse 1950-54, 1958, a color lithograph that stands at 14 2/5 × 10 3/5 inches (36.5 × 27 cm). This work is in the Public Domain, offering open access to art.
About the Artwork:
Henri Matisse's "Blue Nude II," created in 1952, stands as a testament to his innovative approach to form and space through the medium of gouache decoupage, or "painting with scissors." This work, a lithographic print of one of his paper cutouts, revisits the theme of the seated nude, a motif Matisse explored extensively throughout his career in both paintings and sculptures. Notably, he referenced this theme in earlier works such as "Nu assis, Olga" (1910), "Nu assis, bras autour de la jambe droite" (1918), and "Vénus à la coquille" (1932).
In this piece, Matisse brings a sense of immediate presence, evoking the familiar grandeur of ancient idols. His technique involves deliberate fragmentation—legs are cut off, thighs are separated from the torso, necks are disjointed—yet these segments are unified by a strong relational dynamic. This approach marks a departure from his earlier advice to students in 1908 on the importance of articulations supporting the limbs and avoiding detrimental voids. Instead, in "Blue Nude II," the spaces between the cut-out pieces are pivotal, accentuating the figure's joints and suggesting volume where the voids signify the fullness of form.
The "Blue Nudes" series, including "Blue Nude II," goes beyond mere artistic synthesis, showcasing a powerful emergence of form into the surrounding space. The figure is no longer isolated against an indistinct background but is integrated with the space around it, embodying a flow of light and air, much like the windows in Matisse's paintings.
This lithograph was included in the 1958 issue of the art magazine "Verve," titled "Les Derniers Oeuvres de Matisse," presenting Matisse's later works to a wider audience. This publication not only reflects Matisse's artistic journey but also underscores the significance of lithography in making his paper cutouts accessible, thus preserving and spreading his artistic vision.
Note: The exploration of Matisse's techniques and themes in this description draws inspiration from the analyses by art historians, including Isabelle Monod-Fontaine, who have contributed to the understanding of Matisse's late works.
This mug features a public domain image of Henri Matisse, celebrating his legacy. The artist's name is used to identify the historical figure depicted, not to suggest endorsement or official affiliation. All trademark rights are acknowledged and respected.
