A work of art must carry in itself its complete significance and impose it upon the beholder even before he can identify the subject-matter... — Henri Matisse Copy Share Image
All that is not useful in a picture is detrimental. A work of art must be harmonious in its entirety; for superfluous details would, in the mind of the beholder, encroach upon the essential elements. — Henri Matisse Copy Share Image
When I saw what a mess everything was in I asked for my money back on the ticket. I would have felt I was… — Henri Matisse Copy Share
A painting in an interior spreads joy around it by the colors, which calm us. — Henri Matisse Copy Share
Color was not given to us in order that we should imitate Nature. It was given to us so that we can express our… — Henri Matisse Copy Share
If it is practiced by a man of taste, the photograph will have the appearance of art (but) the photographer must...intervene as little as… — Henri Matisse Copy Share
I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime which never lets anyone suspect… — Henri Matisse Copy Share
The chief function of color should be to serve expression as well as possible. — Henri Matisse Copy Share
My pictures are made up of four or five colors that collide with one another… — Henri Matisse Copy Share
...I am driven on by an idea that I really only grasp as it grows with the picture. — Henri Matisse Copy Share
