Nicholas Watkins Knihy

A definitive survey of the work of the great 20th-century colourist.

This handsome book, published to coincide with a major exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, demonstrates the achievement of the famous Galerie Maeght, one of the most influential and creative galleries of the modern era. Focusing on the four artists at the heart of the collection of the Fondation Marguerite et Aimé Maeght – Miró, Calder, Giacometti, and Braque – the book also examines the remarkable contribution that Aimé Maeght, founder of the collection, made to art in the mid-twentieth century as a collector, dealer, exhibition-maker, and publisher. Capturing the bold spirit of postwar art in France, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of modern art.

Henri Matisse is often regarded as one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century and a master of color. This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume provides an accessible introduction to his life and work. Nicholas Watkins chronicles Matisse's artistic journey, from the Fauvist paintings at the 1907 Salon d'Automne to his final paper cut-outs, culminating in the Vence Chapel. He explores the full spectrum of Matisse's creations, including paintings, sculpture, and illustrations, with visual sensitivity and a warm writing style. Watkins offers insightful analysis of specific masterpieces such as The Dinner Table, Le Bonheur de vivre, and Luce, calme et volupe, highlighting their complexity. He also examines Matisse's responses to the artistic, political, and social climate of his time, spanning movements from Cubism to the World Wars. The book features 225 illustrations, nearly 100 in color, showcasing the richness of Matisse's oeuvre while balancing key works with lesser-known pieces. Additionally, it includes illustrations of works by artists who influenced Matisse. Nicholas Watkins, a Senior Lecturer in the History of Art at Coventry Polytechnic, regularly contributes to leading art journals.