Henri Matisse (1869–1954) – Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans
Manuscrits et illustrés par Henri Matisse | Tériade Éditeur, Paris, 1950 | First Edition | Copy No. 677/1200 | Hand-Signed by Henri Matisse | 54 Original Colour Lithographs
An exceptional, complete and personally signed example of Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans, one of Henri Matisse’s most celebrated and artistically accomplished livres d’artiste, published in Paris in 1950 by the distinguished art publisher Tériade.
Entirely conceived, handwritten, decorated and illustrated by Henri Matisse, this monumental publication represents one of the crowning achievements of the artist’s late career and one of the most remarkable illustrated books of the twentieth century.
The distinguished art historian Alfred H. Barr Jr. praised the exceptional spontaneity and pleasure evident in this work, observing that no other book by Matisse conveyed quite the same sense of artistic enjoyment and playful experimentation with colour.
In this extraordinary publication, Matisse transforms the poetry of the fifteenth-century French prince and poet Charles d’Orléans into a modern illuminated manuscript, uniting medieval literary tradition with the freedom, elegance and expressive simplicity characteristic of his mature artistic style.
Artistic Conception and Historical Significance
Unlike conventional illustrated books, in which images accompany an independently typeset text, Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans was conceived as a completely integrated artistic composition.
Matisse personally transcribed the selected poems in his own distinctive handwriting, arranging the verses within elaborate ornamental borders and surrounding them with decorative motifs, floral elements, arabesques, portraits and calligraphic flourishes.
The artist’s handwritten lettering becomes an essential visual element of each composition, creating an exceptional dialogue between poetry, line and colour.
Drawing inspiration from medieval illuminated manuscripts, Matisse reinterpreted the historical tradition through an unmistakably modern visual language, characterised by spontaneous drawing, vibrant colours and a remarkable economy of line.
The decorative compositions combine the immediacy of drawing with a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between text, image and the surrounding white space.
Rather than simply illustrating individual poems, Matisse created a unified artistic experience in which every page contributes to the overall rhythm and visual harmony of the publication.
The result is an extraordinary synthesis of poetry, calligraphy, drawing and original lithography.
Original Lithographs and Printing
Published by Tériade in Paris in 1950, the work was printed by the celebrated Parisian lithographic workshop Mourlot Frères, under the direct artistic supervision of Henri Matisse.
The publication comprises more than 100 lithographed pages, including 54 original colour lithographs by Henri Matisse, together with the artist’s handwritten poetic texts and decorative compositions.
The original lithographs display the distinctive qualities of Matisse’s late graphic work: fluid lines, simplified forms, harmonious arrangements and a refined yet playful use of colour.
Printed on specially manufactured Vélin d’Arches paper, the publication reflects the exceptional standards of craftsmanship associated with Tériade’s most ambitious illustrated books.
The combination of original colour lithography, handwritten text and sophisticated page design makes this work one of the finest examples of twentieth-century French bibliophile publishing.
The Present Example
The present example is Copy No. 677 from the limited edition of 1,200 numbered copies, published in Paris in 1950.
It bears the original handwritten pencil signature of Henri Matisse on the justification page, as issued.
The portfolio is preserved in its original loose-leaf format and retains its original lithographed wrappers together with the publisher’s original protective slipcase.
The presence of the artist’s signature, complete lithographic contents and original publisher’s presentation makes this an especially desirable example for collectors of Matisse’s original graphic works and illustrated books.
Catalogue References
Duthuit & Garnaud: Henri Matisse: Catalogue Raisonné des Livres Illustrés, No. 28.
Printer: Mourlot Frères, Paris.
Publisher: Tériade Éditeur, Paris, 1950.
Publication Details
Artist: Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
Title: Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans, manuscrits et illustrés par Henri Matisse
Author: Charles d’Orléans (1394–1465)
Publisher: Tériade Éditeur, Paris
Date: 1950
Edition: First edition
Copy: No. 677/1200
Signature: Personally hand-signed in pencil by Henri Matisse on the original justification page
Technique: Original colour lithography
Lithographic printer: Mourlot Frères, Paris
Paper: Vélin d’Arches
Format: Approximately 41 × 26 cm
Construction: Loose sheets, as originally issued
Contents: More than 100 lithographed pages, including 54 original colour lithographs by Henri Matisse
Presentation: Original lithographed wrappers and original publisher’s protective slipcase
Original Presentation
The publication retains its original publisher’s presentation, including the original lithographed wrappers and matching protective slipcase.
These elements form an integral part of the original bibliographical presentation and are particularly desirable when preserved together with the complete internal contents.
Collector’s Note – Significance and Desirability
Among the illustrated books produced by Henri Matisse, Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans occupies a particularly important position.
Created during the artist’s mature period, the work demonstrates his ability to transform literary material into an entirely personal visual language.
Its significance extends beyond the individual original lithographs. The handwritten poetry, ornamental borders, delicate compositions and carefully orchestrated colours combine to create an artistic whole of exceptional refinement.
The publication is frequently recognised as one of Matisse’s most personal and joyful achievements in the field of illustrated books.
The present copy, numbered 677/1200 and personally signed in pencil by Henri Matisse, retains its original lithographed wrappers and publisher’s slipcase.
A distinguished example of one of the most important French livres d’artiste of the twentieth century, combining original lithography, poetry and the unmistakable artistic vision of Henri Matisse.
