Young Woman Sitting with Bouquet of Flower, 1923

Original lithograph printed in black ink on China paper. Proof impression, one of only five such proofs, annotated 'Essai' in pencil lower left, apart from the numbered edition of 60. Sheet size: 36.5 x 27.9 cm (14 3/8 x 11 in) Image size: 27.3 x 18.4 cm (10 3/4 x 7 1/4 in) Frame size: 62.2 x 49.8 x 3.8 cm (24 1/2 x 19 5/8 x 1 1/2 in)// Young Woman Sitting with Bouquet of Flower is an exceptionally rare lithograph from 1923, when Matisse's graphic line was reaching the fluid economy that would define his mature style. A seated young woman holds a generous bouquet, her pose at once casual and composed, rendered in confident black strokes on delicate China paper. As one of only five such proof impressions — annotated 'Essai' in pencil — this sheet represents the most intimate tier of the edition, capturing the artist's first thoughts in their purest form. The work bridges Matisse's early Fauvist energy and his later decorative mastery, making it a landmark in the evolution of twentieth-century drawing.