lithograph, heavy vellum paper, 42 x 34 cm (composition), 70 x 50 (sheet), numbered in pencil: 45/75, signed from the plate under the composition "Henri Matisse". Drystamp l.d.: "S.P.A.D.E.M. Paris" (SPADEM is the French equivalent of the Polish ZAIKS), hologram "verification of authenticity" on the reverse . Original certificate.
Henri Matisse was one of the most prominent Fauvist painters and a rival of Pablo Picasso, aswellasan admirer ofthecharmsofodalisques. In thewinterof 1911. Henri Matissesettled in Tangier, andit was there that hefoundhisidealoffemininity- Easternwomanhood!During hiscreative heyday, he was fascinated byorientalsubjects. HepaintedNorthAfricanfabrics draped on furniture,hungon walls andarrangedin makeshift theatrical decorationsthatservedas abackdrop for his models - odalisques.
Odalisque is from Tur. and Fr. -"maid", "bedmaid" and "maid" (halaik, formerly called odalik from oda - "room",hence the name odalisque). This wasoncethe name given towhite female slaves in Turkey,mainly in thesultan's harems.Thesultanwas forbidden tomarryafree Turkishwoman.Thus, he wouldchoosefrom among the odalisques 7spouses(called kadin). The mostbeautifulof the odalisques were taught singing, playing instruments,dancingand pantomime.Theyentertainedthesultanand his harem.Eachodalisquewhoborea childtothesultanbecame a legitimatespouse, and her childwasequal in rights to thechildren of the kadins. In thisway,each odalisquehad a chance tooccupy the most honorable position in the harem and thestate - thesultan 's mother.
