Unprecedented Matisse Donation Transforms Paris Museum of Modern Art Collection
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A remarkable gift of 61 works by Henri Matisse, largely dedicated to his daughter and muse Marguerite, has significantly enriched the collection of the Paris Museum of Modern Art (MAM). The donation, originating from the private funds of Barbara Dauphin Duthuit, wife of Henri Matisse’s grandson, was approved by the board of directors of Paris Musées and represents a pivotal moment for the institution.
The bequest follows the successful run of the exhibition “Matisse and Marguerite. Le regard d’un père” this past summer, and includes pieces previously unseen by the public. This influx of artwork allows for a deeper understanding of Marguerite’s profound influence on the evolution of the master of Fauvism’s work.
“This extraordinarily generous gesture” reflects Madame Duthuit’s deep commitment to the museum, according to the museum’s director. The donated collection showcases the breadth of Matisse’s talent, encompassing 28 drawings, 8 etchings, 7 paintings, 6 lithographs, 6 illustrated books, 5 original posters, and a unique sculpture. “The museum becomes, in a way, Marguerite’s new home,” the director added, emphasizing the lasting impact of the donation on the MAM’s holdings.
Marguerite Matisse: A Life in Art
The newly acquired works chronicle the lives of Henri Matisse and Marguerite throughout the first half of the 20th century, offering a fresh perspective on their relationship. The collection reveals the constant presence of Marguerite in her father’s artistic universe and imagination. Early childhood memories are brought to life through pieces like the oil on panel Marguerite (1901 or 1906) and the bronze Child profile (Marguerite) (1905).
Further works evoke summers spent in Collioure, including ink sketches Studies for Marguerite reading (1906) and Marguerite writing (1906-1907). The collection also features portraits and double portraits that trace Marguerite’s growth, capturing her through Matisse’s paternal gaze. Sleeping daisy (1920), painted during Matisse’s recovery in Étretat, is among these intimate depictions.
The narrative extends to portrayals of Marguerite’s involvement in the Resistance during World War II, with portraits created in 1945 following her narrow escape from deportation. Unexpected additions include a charcoal portrait of her son, Claude Duthuit (Portrait of Claude Duthuit 1945), and a series of late works from 1944-1954, featuring illustrated books and posters signed by both Matisse and Marguerite, highlighting the artist’s recognition of his daughter’s contributions.
Strengthening a World-Class Collection
This donation builds upon Madame Duthuit’s previous contributions to French cultural institutions, including a significant gift to the Pompidou Center in 2013 featuring the painting Marguerite with the black cat (1910). The 61 works now complement the twenty Matisse pieces already held by the MAM, which include early 20th-century drawings like Study of Standing Nude Woman (1900), iconic paintings such as Odalisque in the chair (1928), and sculptures like Lying nude (1907).
The museum’s existing collection also boasts the two monumental versions of The Dance (1931-1933), presented at the heart of the tour. This latest bequest significantly strengthens an already remarkable ensemble and will soon be showcased in a dedicated display, offering visitors a more complete understanding of Matisse’s life and work through the lens of his relationship with his daughter.
