The Beasts of the Sea

"The Beasts of the Sea" is a 1950 paper collage on canvas by Henri Matisse, now housed at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Created during a period when Matisse's health declined, it exemplifies his final cutout style, marking a shift from traditional painting to simplified, bold shapes. The work features vividly colored, abstracted figures reminiscent of figurative forms, though it also exhibits qualities aligning with abstract expressionism. This piece reflects Matisse's mastery of composition and color, emphasizing his move toward more spontaneous, abstracted designs in his later years.