The Museum of Modern Art in Paris has opened "Matisse and Marguerite: Through Her Father's Eyes," an exhibition running through August 24 that explores the lifelong bond between Henri Matisse and his eldest daughter, Marguerite Duthuit-Matisse. Featuring over 100 works—including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics—the show traces their relationship from her childhood through World War II, with many pieces rarely exhibited before. Loans come from institutions in the United States, Switzerland, and Japan, supplemented by photographs and archival materials.
This exhibition matters because it sheds light on a deeply personal yet under-examined aspect of Matisse's life and work: his daughter as both muse and collaborator. Marguerite, who had a strong personality and played a pivotal role in her father's career, is revealed through dozens of portraits that also serve as a historical window into the early 20th century. The show offers fresh insight into Matisse's creative process and family dynamics, appealing to the enduring public fascination with the artist.