"La Gerbe" is an artwork consisting of cut paper shapes that together form a flower-like composition. The abstract shapes and vibrant colours emphasise simplicity and balance. The work shows Matisse's mastery of the technique of "gouaches découpées." It is often seen as a celebration of nature and creativity. It is an example of his late, innovative style.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French painter and sculptor considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Born in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, he only began painting seriously at the age of 21, during his recovery from an illness. His early work reflected influences of impressionism, but he soon developed his own style. Matisse was a pioneer of fauvism, an art movement characterised by bright colours and expressive lines. His use of colour was revolutionary: he saw colour not only as a means of representing reality, but also as an emotional and artistic goal in itself.
In the 1940s, he developed a new technique, cut-out art, with which he used paper shapes to create abstract compositions. These works, such as "La Gerbe," demonstrate his ability to create powerful images with simplicity. Combining joy, harmony and energy, Matisse's work has inspired generations of artists.
                                
Discover more Old Masters in the following collections:
 The endangered swan, Jan Asselijn
The endangered swan, Jan Asselijn The mill at Wijk bij Duurstede, Jacob Isaacksz. van Ruisdael
The mill at Wijk bij Duurstede, Jacob Isaacksz. van Ruisdael Queen Elizabeth of Bourbon
Queen Elizabeth of Bourbon Flower arrangement, Jan Davidsz. de Heem
Flower arrangement, Jan Davidsz. de Heem A Amsterdam street scene - Adrianus Eversen
A Amsterdam street scene - Adrianus Eversen The goldfinch, Carel Fabritius
The goldfinch, Carel Fabritius Vincent van Gogh. Flower beds in Holland
Vincent van Gogh. Flower beds in Holland Jacob Maris - Fishing boat
Jacob Maris - Fishing boat The School of Athens, Raphael
The School of Athens, Raphael Almond blossom painting by Vincent van Gogh
Almond blossom painting by Vincent van Gogh The Mirror, Robert Reid
The Mirror, Robert Reid Portrait of a woman, anonymous - 1633
Portrait of a woman, anonymous - 1633 The Milkmaid - Vermeer painting
The Milkmaid - Vermeer painting Agapanthus, Claude Monet
Agapanthus, Claude Monet Vincent van Gogh. Olive orchard
Vincent van Gogh. Olive orchard Cypresses
Cypresses The Artist’s Garden in Giverny, Claude Monet
The Artist’s Garden in Giverny, Claude Monet The great wave of Kanagawa, Hokusai
The great wave of Kanagawa, Hokusai Italian landscape with pine trees, Hendrik Voogd
Italian landscape with pine trees, Hendrik Voogd Bouquet of flowers on white background (seen at VT Wonen)
Bouquet of flowers on white background (seen at VT Wonen)