Henri Matisse. Odalisque with Tambourine. 1926 (oil,canvas) MoMA

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker who is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He was born in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, in northern France, and initially studied law before deciding to pursue a career in art.

Matisse studied at the Académie Julian and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he developed an interest in the works of Paul Cézanne and the Impressionists. He was a leading figure in the Fauvism movement, which emphasized the use of bright colors and bold brushstrokes.

Matisse's style evolved over time, and he experimented with a variety of techniques and mediums throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his vibrant, colorful paintings of figures, landscapes, and still lifes. He also created sculptures and prints, and later in life, he turned to cut-out paper collages as his primary medium.

One of Matisse's most famous paintings is "Odalisque with Tambourine," completed in 1925. The painting depicts a reclining female figure in an exotic setting, with bright colors and a flattened perspective. Matisse's use of color and form in this painting is characteristic of his Fauvist style.

Matisse's work has had a significant influence on modern art, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists around the world.