Henri MATISSE Autographed letter signed Zita and her friends Odalisques 1928

  
Henri MATISSE - Signed autograph letter - Zita and her friends - Odalisques - 1928. A major figure of the 20th century, his influence on art was considerable. A signed autograph letter addressed to his model "Mademoiselle Zita Rabat," Dax, 1928, 1 page in 4, headed "Grand café de Bordeaux," with autograph envelope preserved (envelope damaged and fragile). A letter from Matisse to one of his models, Zita Rabat - a famous figure in photography representing the painter drawing the model Zita as an Odalisque (1928, H Matisse archives). The series of Odalisques, orientalist works from his Nice period, allowed the artist to confront two essential aspects of his aesthetics: figures and decor. Matisse would say of his models, "The model, for others, is a piece of information. For me, it is something that stops me. It is the focus of my energy." Henri Matisse, quoted by Louis Aragon in "Matisse-en-France," Matisse, novel, Gallimard, 1998 [1971], p.

In this letter, Matisse announces to his model that he will resume his work after a trip and counts on her presence and that of her friends. A painting by Matisse from 1928 "The Rest of the Models," from the series of Odalisques, perfectly aligns this letter with the artist's work. I plan to resume my work with you and your friends on Monday at noon. I hope you are all well and that you will all be there.

Please accept my sincere compliments, all three of you. Attached is the letter from Mr. Faure "administrator of the Ballet" to Matisse, asking him to kindly release his 3 models Hélène Reversi, Zita Rabat, and Lili Ganarelli for the day of March 8, 1928, for them to rehearse for the ballet. Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions.