A Well Known Snail

The Snail

By Henri Matisse

1953; Goauche on cut-paper, 9' 4 3/4" x 9' 5" 

Tate Gallery, London

This composition of 

rectangular and squarish patches 

form a snail-like shape, this has no precedent in 

Matisse's career. "The Snail" is one of Matisse's final works. 

It points to the fact that his career could go on indefinitely, 

  and to directions that later art would take beyond his own lifetime.  

The various works of Ellsworth Kelly, Kenneth Noland, 

and Frank Stella are instances of how 

Matisse's insights would later 

be fulfilled.

You may view it by visiting:

http://www.henry-matisse.com/snail.html 

NOTE: This link is also the source for the information above.