After Henri Matisse (1869–1954), Nice, Travail et Joie, Color Offset Lithograph

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Description

After Henri Matisse (1869–1954), Nice, Travail et Joie, Vintage Color Offset Lithograph after the 1947 Mourlot Travel Poster, This printing … Read more After Henri Matisse (1869–1954), Nice, Travail et Joie, Vintage Color Offset Lithograph after the 1947 Mourlot Travel Poster, This printing Circa 1965–1970

After Henri Matisse (1869–1954), Nice, Travail et Joie, vintage color offset lithograph after the celebrated 1947 Mourlot travel poster, circa 1965–1970. This vibrant decorative print reproduces one of Henri Matisse's most beloved images inspired by the French Riviera, celebrating the artist's lifelong connection to the city of Nice, where he lived and worked for nearly forty years. The original composition was created in 1947 for the Tourist Information Office of Nice and printed by the renowned Mourlot atelier in Paris, becoming one of the most iconic travel posters of the twentieth century and an enduring symbol of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The composition embodies the joyful decorative language of Matisse's late career. A graceful palm tree frames an open view toward the Côte d'Azur, while a tabletop still life of citrus fruit evokes the warmth and abundance of southern France. Bold black outlines, flattened planes of saturated color, and simplified geometric forms create the harmonious balance that made Matisse one of the defining artists of modernism. Across the lower portion of the image appear the printed inscriptions "Nice" and "Travail et Joie" ("Work and Joy"), accompanied by the artist's facsimile signature and the in-plate date "Matisse '47."

Unlike the original 1947 Mourlot stone lithograph, which measured approximately 39 x 25 inches (100 x 64 cm), this example is a vintage color offset lithographic reproduction produced circa 1965–1970 in a reduced format for the decorative art market. The reverse retains the original publisher's inventory stamp reading:

"CS1453. Matisse: Nice, Travail et Joie, 19¼ × 28."

Professionally presented in a black frame, this vintage print offers the timeless appeal of one of Matisse's most recognizable Riviera compositions at a practical display size. Its luminous palette of greens, ochres, oranges, blues, and black complements Mid-Century Modern, French, coastal, and contemporary interiors alike, making it an attractive decorative statement as well as a tribute to one of the twentieth century's greatest artists.

Dimensions
Overall (framed): 20.5 in. W × 29.5 in. H
Image size: 19.25 in. W × 28 in. H

Condition
Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear and minor toning consistent with age. Presented vintage in a black frame with light wear from handling. The reverse retains the original publisher's inventory stamp, further identifying the print as a vintage color offset reproduction after Matisse's celebrated 1947 Mourlot travel poster. See less