Orientale sur lit de repos, 1929

Original lithograph printed in black ink on Arches wove paper. Edition of 50, numbered in pencil lower right (plus 10 artist's proofs, 9 trial proofs, and 1 state proof; overall edition of 70). Sheet size: 50.5 x 66.0 cm (19 7/8 x 26 in) Image size: 25.7 x 47.3 cm (10 1/8 x 18 5/8 in) Frame size: 59.7 x 77.5 x 4.4 cm (23 1/2 x 30 1/2 x 1 3/4 in)// Orientale sur lit de repos is a sumptuous lithograph from Matisse's celebrated Nice period, depicting a reclining odalisque on a daybed in the flowing, assured line that defines his graphic genius. The figure lies in languid repose, her form described by sinuous contours that move from the curve of her shoulder through the drape of fabric with effortless grace. Rendered in rich black ink on Arches wove paper, the composition achieves an extraordinary balance between decorative plenitude and structural clarity. From an edition of just fifty, with ten artist's proofs and nine trial proofs, this is a rare and important example of Matisse's printmaking at the moment when his drawing reached its fullest maturity.