La Danse I
1909 Museum of Modern Art
About this artwork
This large-scale oil painting depicts five figures in a rhythmic, circular dance against a vibrant blue sky and green foreground. It is a precursor to the monumental version of the same theme now held in the Hermitage Museum.
Did you know?
La Danse I was created as a preliminary study for a large commission, showcasing Matisse's shift toward simplified forms and intense, non-naturalistic color. The energetic, primal movement of the figures reflects the influence of Mediterranean folk dance and the artist's move away from the detailed realism of his earlier period.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
La Danse I
Henri Matisse, 1909
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