The Sorrow of the King by Henri Matisse

Print on Cotton Canvas

Created in 1952, The Sorrow of the King is one of Matisse’s most monumental paper cut-outs, completed near the end of his life. Though titled with a sense of melancholy, the composition bursts with vibrant color and playful, abstract forms. The central figure—often seen as Matisse himself—is surrounded by shapes suggesting music, movement, and memory. Confined to bed, Matisse used scissors and paper to “paint with color,” transforming sorrow into celebration. The work is both introspective and joyful, reflecting a deep acceptance of life and its fleeting beauty.

Available in two sizes