In this third-floor apartment at 1,Place
Charles-Félix,Matisse arranged an "Oriental"
alcove,equipped with a low couch,mirrors,
decorative screens and profusely patterned
wall hangins,creating an atmosphere of
reverie and exoticism reminiscent of
the Moorish interiors he had seen in Morocco.
The model's sculpturesque body,languorously
stretching on the couch,exudes sensuality and
carnality,enhanced by the warm rosy red colour
scheme.The mood of "luxe,calme et volupté"
is clearly palpable.Yet,contemplating the
work,one gets the impression that the artist
somehow distanced himself from the erotic
content of the picture while leaving the
excitement of recognition to the viewer.
Despite their attempt at authenticity,the
paintings appear carefully staged and full
of theatricality.The theme of odalisques
during the Matisse's Nice period is central
not only to his paintings,but also to his
sculptures,drawings and prints.