Chatting with Henri Matisse: The Lost 1941 Interview

In 1941, Swiss art critic Courthion interviewed Matisse in Lyon while the artist was recovering from a serious operation, for a book to be published by Albert Skira, founder of the eponymous publishing house. Over several days, Matisse and Courthion discussed topics including the artist’s early years as a student of Gustave Moreau in Paris; his relationship with Renoir, Cezanne, and Pissaro; his collaborations with Sergei Diaghilev; and his travels in Morocco and their impact on his work. Just a few weeks before the book was slated to be released, Matisse blocked its publication, stating that he had conducted the interview while under sedation. Fortunately, the manuscript landed at the Getty Research Institute, where it was later discovered by art history professor Guilbaut (How New York Stole the Idea of Modern Art), who here publishes the complete interviews in English and French, along with reproductions of the original edited manuscript and transcript rejected by Matisse. The volume includes two short, very astute critical essays on Matisse as a traveler and on the artist’s decision to remain in Nazi-occupied France, along with numerous photographs of the artist and reproductions of his work. This important book provides great insight into Matisse as an artist and individual, as well as into the journalist’s interviewing and editing process. 23 color and 28 b&w illus. (Sept.)