Geraniums

1908

Shchukin's Commission for "Dance" and "Music"

The Russian collector Sergei Shchukin commissioned three decorative panels from Matisse for his Moscow house: "Dance," "Music," and "Bathing" (which remained at the sketch stage). The money of Russian collectors allowed the artist to finally overcome his financial difficulties.

25 December 1908

"Notes of a Painter"

"Notes of a Painter" was published in La Grande Revue, in which Matisse formulated his artistic principles — the need to convey emotion directly through simple means.

January 1908

Opening of the Académie Matisse

With the support of the Steins, Hans Purrmann, and other patrons, Matisse founded a private, non-commercial painting school, where he taught from January 1908 to 1911. About 100 students studied at the academy during that time.

1911

Visit to Russia

In connection with the installation of the panels, Matisse visited Saint Petersburg and Moscow at Shchukin's invitation and was given an enthusiastic reception. The artist admired ancient Russian icons: "Now that is great art."

1912

First Exhibition in the United States

Matisse's first American exhibition was held in New York, organized by Alfred Stieglitz at Gallery 291.

1912–1913

Seven Months in Morocco

Matisse spent about seven months in Morocco, producing roughly 24 paintings and numerous drawings. His Orientalist motifs — odalisques and goldfish in aquariums — date from this period.