Art Masters: Henri Matisse by Susie Hodge

This vibrant, full-colour introduction charts Matisse's journey from his childhood in northern France to his student days in Paris, where he discovered the magic of Poussin, Watteau, Manet and Pissarro. Along the way, readers meet Matisse the rule-breaker: the "wild beast" whose Fauvist works scandalised critics; the friend and rival whose long, electric relationship with Picasso defined an era; and the visionary who swapped the paintbrush for scissors to pioneer his radiant découpage. Richly illustrated throughout, the book reveals how Matisse honed his mastery of colour, line and form, and closes with a thoughtful look at the artists who followed in his footsteps and continue to draw inspiration from his work. Art Masters showcases beautifully produced hardback monographs on the world's most influential artists. Each volume explores the artist's life, techniques and spark of inspiration-paired with lavish reproductions that celebrate their finest creations.