Original Lithograph
A Rare 113-Year-Old Impression
Henri Matisse
French, 1869–1954
La Lecture, nu de profil
Reading, nude in profile
1913
Provenance:
Collection of Henri M. Petiet
Henri M. Petiet (1894–1980), the celebrated French publisher and art dealer, assembled an important collection of printed works, a significant part of which originated from the historic print archive of Ambroise Vollard, acquired after Vollard’s death. This distinguished lineage places the work among the most coveted provenances in modern printmaking.
Image / Sheet: Image: 10.1 × 19.6 in (25.6 × 49.9 cm) · Sheet: 13 × 19.7 in (33 × 50 cm)
Medium: Original Lithograph on Simili-Japon Paper
Rarity: Extremely Rare Trial Proof (aside from edition of 50)
Catalogue: Duthuit-Garnaud 408
Signature: Signed in lithographic stone with artist’s initials “HM”
Created in 1913 during Matisse’s pre-war period, La Lecture, nu de profil demonstrates his mastery of line and form through extreme economy of means.
This impression is exceptionally fresh and preserved, believed to be a trial or archival proof related to the lifetime edition of 50 impressions.
Condition: Minor historical gummed paper remnant on verso, consistent with period archival handling.
