Image: Hidden, Bristol
The work is a lithographic poster on Arches wove paper, signed in ink. Its listing describes it as one of the deluxe examples on premier Arches wove paper and says that its hand-signed status is exceptionally rare. The description distinguishes the Arches-paper work from examples printed on poster paper, while identifying the listed object as a signed lithograph by Matisse.
Artists working with Mourlot were invited to learn lithography alongside the studio’s master printers and to work directly on the stones to create original artworks. The process led to a permanent collaboration between artist and printmaker, with the lithographs described as an undeniable part of the artist’s original genius and work.
Matisse first worked with Mourlot in 1937, when the lithographer was commissioned to produce a poster for an exhibition featuring one of his paintings. He was extremely meticulous during the design’s development, imposing constant corrections and alterations. Even photographic reproductions required his personal approval, and colour proofs had to be presented for every detail. Although sceptical throughout the process, Matisse was delighted with the final result and later produced hundreds of lithographs with Mourlot.
