The Impact of the Relationship between Matisse and Picasso

Henry Matisse, Bathers with a Turtle, 1908

Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso crossed paths within the ‘art world’ several times before being officially introduced to each other through the mutual patronage of a family of Americans, the Steins.  From the beginning, Matisse and Picasso were competing for attention toward their works of art.  The age difference also played a part in the rivalry between Matisse and Picasso, who were eleven years apart.  Matisse, being the elder, was sensitive to the fact that despite the age difference Picasso was going to be in competition with him not only for the patronage of the Steins but also within the world of modern art. 

Pablo Picasso, Three Women, 1908

Matisse and Picasso both primarily relied on reality as their core base for subjects in their paintings, and although they each painted similar subjects, the depiction of these subjects were different.  This difference inspired the artists to paint more exuberant paintings, each trying to gain more attention from the viewers in their different styles.  Therefore, this influence that Matisse and Picasso had on each other not only triggered the flow of creativity but it began the rivalry between them.  

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The Impact of the Relationship between Matisse and Picasso

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http://arthistory.about.com/od/from_exhibitions/ig/cezanne_and_beyond/cab_pma_09_11.htm

http://www.writedesignonline.com/history-culture/postimpressionism.htm