Henri Matisse
Experience the 70th anniversary of the Chapelle du Rosaire
In this aptly themed Exhibitions, visits, screenings, concerts are on the way for the anniversary of the Vence chapel designed by the modern master, as famous for his paintings as for his cut-out gouaches.
By Tanja Stojanov
© Succession H. Matisse Image
He created the Chapelle du Rosaire towards the end of his life at the Dominicans’behest. “Despite all its imperfections, I consider it to be my masterpiece”, Matisse said of this complete work of art, for which he designed the large stained glass windows, white ceramic panels, altar, and liturgical vestments. A marvel open to visitors housing the preparatory drawings, engravings, and models made by the artist for this project. In Vence itself, the town’s facades are decorated for this anniversary with the painter’s colours throughout the summer. Relive his artistic and spiritual quest by following a trail of evocative Matisse images, accompanied by his quotes, starting from the town centre or the chapel. For this occasion, the Henri Matisse space at the Musée de Vence is hanging Young Woman in White on a Red Background, painted at the Villa le Rêve in Vence in 1944, whose gardens are exceptionally open to the public. Deckchairs have been put out for siesta-readings in the company of actors, and musicians also come to meet onlookers in town for Jeudis du Jazz. Without forgetting the open-air film screenings to celebrate this luminous and inspiring little treasure reimagined by Monsieur Matisse.
Chapelle Matisse et Jardins
de la Villa le Rêve,
avenue Henri Matisse à Vence
www.vence.fr