In the 1940s, Henri Matisse embarked on one of the most innovative phases of his artistic career, marked by his pioneering use of cut-outs. This decade is often viewed as the culmination of his lifelong exploration of color, form, and space, leading to a significant body of work that redefined his artistic legacy. Matisse turned almost exclusively to cut paper as his primary medium, using scissors to shape painted sheets into various forms, from vegetal to abstract. This technique allowed him to "draw with scissors," creating lively compositions that bridged painting and sculpture. The cut-outs ranged from small works to monumental pieces that transformed the spatial environment of rooms. One of the most notable examples of this period is "The Swimming Pool" (1952), a room-sized cut-out initially designed for Matisse's own dining room, showcasing the immersive potential of this new medium. This piece, among others, highlighted the cut-outs' dual nature—initially mutable and contingent within the studio, but ultimately transformed into permanent works through mounting and framing​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. The MoMA exhibition "Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs" provided an unprecedented look at this aspect of Matisse's work, featuring around 100 cut-outs alongside related drawings, prints, illustrated books, stained glass, and textiles. This comprehensive presentation offered new insights into Matisse's methods, the technical and conceptual challenges of the cut-outs, and their place within his broader practice​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. This period also saw Matisse grappling with health issues that limited his ability to paint in traditional ways. Nevertheless, the cut-outs represented not a reduction of his creative capacity but an expansion, opening new avenues for experimentation and expression. The cut-outs were initially kept a secret until Matisse began work on "Jazz," an illustrated book that further showcased this technique's potential​ (The Art Story)​. Matisse's work from the 1940s, particularly the cut-outs, exemplifies his relentless innovation and adaptation, underscoring his position as a leading figure in modern art. Through these works, Matisse continued to challenge conventional boundaries between drawing and color, fine art and decoration, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate.