No other subject inspired Henri Matisse (1869-1954) with such passion throughout his career as the female figure in indoor settings. Many of his interiors focus on women-reading, day-dreaming, or sleeping, as passive figures, reclining on chaise-longues, often clothed in oriental fabrics.nThis book offers an in-depth view of this important motif in which Matisse developed and continually explored his rich and imaginative repertoire of forms and colors. It features outstanding paintings from all of his creative periods, supplemented by ensembles of his bronze sculptures, his intricate drawings, and his cut-outs and prints. Historical photographs by Cartier-Bresson, Brassa?, H?l?ne Adant, and others show how leading art photographers saw Matisse's models and artfully designed studio interiors. An illustrated biography completes this exquisite presentation. nGerman edition available ISBN 3-7757-1600-9