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The Serf

A work made of bronze.
© 2018 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

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  • A work made of bronze.

Date:

1900–03, cast c. 1908

Artist:

Henri Matisse
French, 1869–1954

About this artwork

Henri Matisse often turned to sculpture early in his career in an attempt “to put order into my feelings and find a style to suit me.” More than half of his total output of sculpture dates to between 1900 and 1909, and these works reveal a deep interest in the human figure, as well as ancient and early modern works of art. The Serf, one of Matisse’s earliest sculptures, consumed him: he was reported to have spent up to 500 sessions with his model, Bevilaqua, who also posed for Auguste Rodin. The Art Institute’s work is an early cast (1908) of a total edition of 10 and was once owned by Matisse’s most enthusiastic early supporters, Michael and Sarah Stein.

Status

On View, Gallery 391

Department

Modern Art

Artist

Henri Matisse

Title

The Serf

Place

France (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1900–1904

Medium

Bronze

Inscriptions

Signed on base, l. rear: "Henri Matisse 1/10"

Dimensions

91.5 × 30.5 × 34.3 cm (36 × 12 × 13 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson

Reference Number

1949.202

Copyright

© 2018 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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