Палитра. Палитра

July 1939

Divorce from Amélie

Amélie, suspecting her husband of an affair with his secretary Lydia Delectorskaya, ended their 41-year marriage; the property was divided equally. Delectorskaya remained working with Matisse until the end of his life.

1941

Cancer and a Difficult Operation

Matisse was diagnosed with duodenal cancer; the operation was successful, but complications nearly cost him his life. Three months confined to bed led to the birth of a new technique — compositions of cut paper.

1943–1949 · Résidence

villa Le Rêve

1944

Wife and Daughter Arrested by the Gestapo

Matisse's wife and daughter were arrested by the Gestapo for their involvement in Resistance activities.

1947

Meeting Pierre Couturier

Matisse met the Dominican priest Pierre Couturier; their conversations gave rise to the idea of a chapel for the convent at Vence. In early December 1947 the artist drew up the plan of work.