Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954), Grande Odalisque à la culotte Bayadère (D. 455). Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954), Grande Odalisque à la

Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954), Grande Odalisque à la culotte Bayadère (D. 455). photo courtesy Sotheby's

Lithograph, 1925, a fine impression, signed in pencil, inscribed and numbered épr. d'artiste 2/10 (aside from the edition of 50), on china paper; image: 547 by 442mm; 21½ by 17 3/8 in - sheet: 715 by 572mm; 28 1/8 by 22½in. Estimate 150,000—200,000 GBP. Lot Sold 229,250 GBP

NOTE: Matisse focused on lithography in three phases in his life: 1906, 1914 and again in the 1920's when he chose this medium to produce a series of sensual odalisques in exotic settings.

Grand Odalisque à la culotte bayadère is his most important and monumental lithograph in which he shows his favourite model Henriette Darricarrère who worked for Matisse from the early 1920s until 1927. This extraordinary work shows Henriette seated with one leg raised and tucked under, a pose which fascinated Matisse and appears in many of his paintings and lithographs of the time. The viewer is drawn to observe the play of light and shade and the contrast between the rich textures: the bold stripes of the culotte, the floral pattern of the drapery that covers the chair and the silky skin of the model. Meanwhile, Henriette gazes at us calmly and authoratively, completely at ease in her role.

Sotheby's. Modern and Contemporary Prints including Pablo Picasso: Master Printmaker, Works from a Private European Collection. 16 Sep 10. London www.sothebys.com