Palm Leaf, Tangier

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."

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.

1913

Armory Show: A Storm of Indignation

Several of Matisse's paintings were included in the Armory Show in New York and provoked a storm of indignation among the conservative American public. Nevertheless, his works continued to be exhibited in the United States until 1926.