The Dance by Henri Matisse, 1910

The Dance

Henri Matisse1910Oil on canvas

Matisse's monumental Dance strips color and form to their absolute essence. Five vermillion figures against an arc of blue and green — it is one of the most radical simplifications in the history of art.

Color Mood

Primally joyful. Three colors — red, blue, green — at near-maximum intensity create a visual energy that is almost musical. Matisse reduces painting to its most essential elements.

Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

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Primary Colors

The dominant colors that define the overall mood and atmosphere of the work.

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Vermillion

Dancing figures

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Emerald Green

Ground

Secondary Colors

Supporting colors that add depth, contrast, and visual interest.

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Cerulean Blue

Sky background

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Warm Flesh

Figure highlights

Tertiary Colors

Accent and detail colors that complete the composition.

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Deep Green

Ground shadows

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Dark Red

Figure shadows

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Light Blue

Sky highlights

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