Henri Matisse's Jazz series, created between 1943 and 1947 and published in 1947, is a landmark in the history of modern art and book illustration, showcasing Matisse's innovative use of the paper cut-out technique. The series consists of a limited edition art book containing twenty color plates, reflecting Matisse's thoughts and his vibrant cut-paper collages, which are marked by themes of the circus, theater, and Matisse's own travels. The term "jazz" in the series doesn't directly reference the music genre but rather the improvisational method Matisse employed in creating the artworks, drawing a parallel between the spontaneity in jazz music and his experimental approach to art during this period.
Following a surgery in 1941 that left him chair- and bedridden, Matisse transitioned to cut-paper collage as his primary medium, moving away from traditional painting and sculpture due to his physical limitations. This method allowed him to "draw in color," simplifying his artistic process and achieving a direct and immediate expression of color and form. The cut-outs were initially pinned into position, allowing for adjustment and experimentation before finalizing the compositions for the pochoir (stencil) printing process. This technique was labor-intensive and required precise craftsmanship to replicate Matisse's original paper collages (Sothebys.com) (Wikipedia) (The Museum of Modern Art).
Jazz was produced in collaboration with Matisse's publisher, Tériade, and printed by Draeger Frères in Paris. The edition included 250 copies, with stencils executed by Edmond Vairel. The collection features some of Matisse's most iconic images, such as "Icarus," "The Sword Swallower," and "The Cowboy," among others, showcasing a range of subjects from circus scenes to mythology (Art Gallery of NSW) (Wikipedia).
The Jazz series is celebrated for its bold colors, abstract compositions, and the sense of movement and rhythm it conveys, mirroring the qualities of jazz music itself. Through this series, Matisse not only explored a new medium but also expressed his ideas about art, color, and composition, making Jazz one of the most important illustrated books of the 20th century and a highlight of Matisse's late career (The Museum of Modern Art) (Sothebys.com).