Music, 1910, oil on canvas, The Hermitage at St. Pet Henri Matisse (1869-1954)

The composition presents a group of figures arranged across a flattened plane, unified by a striking chromatic scheme. The foreground is dominated by a vibrant green field that abruptly transitions into a purple-tinged background, creating a sense of spatial ambiguity rather than depth. Five human forms are positioned within this landscape; each rendered in an intense orange hue, which immediately draws the eye and contributes to the work’s overall intensity.
The figures appear engaged in musical performance or contemplation. One figure stands on the left, playing a stringed instrument – likely a violin – with a posture suggesting focused concentration. Another sits cross-legged in the center foreground, holding a wind instrument to their lips, seemingly about to play. The remaining three figures are seated or crouched, their expressions difficult to discern but conveying a sense of inwardness or perhaps communal listening. Their poses are somewhat rigid and stylized, lacking naturalistic fluidity.
The artist’s use of color is particularly significant. The orange skin tones create an immediate visual impact, evoking associations with fire, earth, or even ritualistic practices. This unnatural coloration removes the figures from a recognizable reality, suggesting they exist within a symbolic realm. The contrast between the green field and purple background further enhances this sense of otherness, isolating the group from any conventional setting.
The absence of detail in the faces contributes to the work’s enigmatic quality. They are not individualized portraits but rather archetypal representations of humanity experiencing music. This lack of specificity allows for a broader interpretation; the figures could represent musicians, listeners, or even abstract embodiments of musicality itself.
Subtly, there is an element of primitivism in the depiction – the simplified forms and bold colors recall ancient art traditions. The work seems to explore themes of collective experience, the power of music, and perhaps a yearning for a more primal connection to human expression. It’s a scene stripped down to its essential elements, inviting contemplation on the nature of sound, emotion, and shared humanity.