Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLASSIC PAINTING
Although Provence and the Côte d'Azur are best known for their relatively modern artistic legacy, the region's
reputation as a haven for artists goes back centuries.
In the 14th century Sienese, French and Spanish artists thrived at the papal court in Avignon and created an in-
fluential style of mural painting to decorate the palace.
Renaissance painter Louis (Ludovico) Bréa (c1450-1523), often dubbed the 'Fra Angelico Provençal', is best
remembered for his signature burgundy colour known as rouge bréa.
Two centuries later, it was the rococo influences in his landscapes and the playful and often licentious scenes of
his paintings that made Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), a native of Grasse, so popular with French aristo-
crats.
Matisse
Originally from drab northern France, leading Fauvist exponent Henri Matisse
(1869-1954) spent his most creative years lapping up the sunlight and vivacity of the
coast in and around Nice.
Matisse travelled to southern France on a number of occa-
sions, including a visit to impressionist Paul Signac in St-
Tropez, which inspired Luxe, Calme et Volupté ( Luxury, Calm
and Tranquility , 1904). But it was a trip to Nice to cure bron-
chitis in 1917 that left Matisse smitten - he never really looked
back.
Matisse settled in Cimiez, in the hills north of Nice's centre,
and it was here that he started experimenting with his gou-
aches découpées (collages of painted paper cutouts) in the
1940s, after an operation. The famous Blue Nude series and
The Snail epitomise this period.
Matisse's ill health was also a key factor in the creation of his masterpiece, the Chapelle
du Rosaire in Vence. The artist had been looked after by a nun during his convalescence
and the chapel was his mark of gratitude. Matisse designed everything, from the stained-
glass windows to the altar, the structure of the chapel and the robes of the priests. The
chapel took four years to complete and was finished in 1951.
Matisse died in Nice in 1954 and is buried in Cimiez's cemetery.
Matisse Sights
»Musée Matisse, Nice
»Chapelle du Rosaire, Vence
»Cemetery at Monastère de
Cimiez, Nice
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