Henri Matisse: Original Carnegie Institute Publicity Photograph for the 29th Carnegie International Exhibition, Pittsburgh, 1930.

Item Details

Original sepia gelatin silver publicity photograph of Henri Matisse in profile, printed Carnegie Institute identification label reading: "Henri Matisse, member of the Jury of Award for the Twenty-ninth Carnegie Institute International Exhibition." Approximately 10 x 8 inches.

Issued in conjunction with the Twenty-ninth Carnegie International Exhibition (1930), at which Matisse served on the distinguished Jury of Award alongside Karl Sterrer, Bernard Karfiol, Guy Pène du Bois, Horatio Walker, and others. During this landmark exhibition, the jury awarded the First Prize to Pablo Picasso, one of the defining moments in the history of the Carnegie International. The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art preserves a group photograph of this same jury, identifying the photographer as R. W. (Ralph W.) Johnston of Pittsburgh; the present portrait was almost certainly produced as part of the same official publicity campaign.

The lower right margin of the print bears the printed "Kodak" mark, consistent with period photographic paper. A handsome institutional portrait of one of the twentieth century's most influential artists, documenting his relatively uncommon participation in an important American exhibition.

Condition: Mounted as issued. Light overall handling and age toning; a short crack or crease is present just to the right of Matisse's head, with minor edge wear and a few small surface blemishes. The image remains clean and displays well.