Matisse's models highlight NYC gallery - New York Fine Arts | Examiner.com

The Eykyn Maclean Gallery, a private gallery on the Upper East Side, is currently featuring a series of works by Henri Matisse titled Matisse and the Model. Curated by Ann Dumas, the exhibition focuses on the many models with whom Matisse worked with and been inspired by over the years. The show will include 46 of Matisse’s paintings, drawings, prints, cut out, and sculptures.

One notable piece in the show is The Serf, a sculpture completed in 1903. The Serf was created during a troubled time in Matisse’s career which he soldiered through with strong ambition with an Italian model known as ‘Bevilacqua” who was his inspiration for the piece.

In 1916, Matisse met an Italian model known as “Laurette” who became strong source of inspiration for over 50 of Matisse’s paintings completed around that time includingLorette in a White Blouse which, as the title suggests, is a portrait of “Laurette” wearing a blouse.