
Henri MatisseFrench, 1869–1954May one see it?
Copenhagen, Denmark
On public display.
On view · Sal 213
SMK · Sep 28, 2026 — now · Verified
Was on view
SMK · Aug 19, 2026 — Sep 28, 2026 · Verified
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.
October 1910
Trip to Seville
In October 1910 Matisse left for Spain; in a Seville hotel room he painted "Seville Still Life" and "Spanish Still Life."
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."