Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse (1869–1954) was one of France’s most famous artists. Interestingly, he never intended to become an artist. He studied law and even worked at a law firm for a while. It was only when illness forced him to stay at home and he began painting that he discovered how enjoyable art could be. Fortunately, because otherwise we might never have known his colourful masterpieces!

Matisse became famous for his cheerful paintings filled with bright colours and simple shapes. He believed art should make people happy, like a comfortable armchair in which you can relax. His work stood out so strongly that he became one of the most important artists of the twentieth century.

Later in life, Matisse became ill and could no longer paint as easily. Instead of giving up, he invented something new. He had sheets of paper painted in many colours and cut shapes from them with scissors. He then arranged the pieces of paper into beautiful works of art. He called this “painting with scissors”. Flowers, leaves, fish and dancing figures appeared as if they had leapt straight out of the paper.

His famous cut-outs show that limitations can sometimes inspire entirely new ideas. Matisse proved that scissors are not only useful for school crafts, but can also create art displayed in the world’s greatest museums. Thanks to his creativity, he continued to innovate until the end of his life—and perhaps became the most famous paper cutter in art history!