Bathers by a River

"Bathers by a River", also known as Bathers at the River, is a large canvas created by French artist Henri Matisse in 1917. The oil-on-canvas depicts a tranquil scene of bathers gathering by a river, showcasing Matisse's mastery of color and form. Though often associated with genre painting for its everyday subject matter, the work also reflects elements influenced by Cubism. The painting was begun in 1909 and completed in 1917, during the Battle of Verdun, making it one of three paintings Matisse completed during that tumultuous period.