In the history of twentieth century modernism, Henri Matisse is a calm and unstoppable revolution of creative genius. Trained originally in the French classical manner, he was inspired by the Impressionists and Cezanne to create in a style that brought out the beauty of colour, form and line by reducing them to their essentials. While considered a leader of the Fauves and an inspiration to most of the great figures in modern art, he wasn't interested in being associated with any school or trend.

A family man who worked 'office hours' in his studio, he defies the image of the artist as enfant terrible or tortured soul. In a career spanning six decades, he produced masterpiece after masterpiece that constantly challenge how we perceive colour and form.