Henri Matisse (1869–1954) is one of the most original and beloved French artists, his colorfully luminescent paintings a stirring affirmation of life, levity, and sensitivity. This book reproduces a large number of Matisse’s works alongside the story of his life, from his early paintings to his late masterpieces, the cutouts, which he created when he was confined to his bed and unable to paint. Drawing on previously unavailable archival materials, Markus Müller traces the trajectory of Matisse’s career, showing how his oeuvre turned towards the color-intensive, near-abstract cutouts. A celebration of a great artist who never stopped seeking new ways to create, this book is the perfect introduction to Matisse’s genius.