05/20/2025
In the winter of 1912, Henri Matisse left behind the gray skies of Paris for the luminous colors and intricate patterns of Tangier, Morocco. He wasn’t just chasing light—he was chasing clarity, searching for a way to paint that felt truer to himself than the strict lines of cubism ever could. Amid the bustling markets and quiet courtyards of Morocco, Matisse found a new artistic language—one that would shape the rest of his life.
One of the most powerful works from this pivotal time, The Seated Riffian, now hangs in our Main Gallery. Join us on-site as we take a closer look with author Jeff Koehler, author of “Matisse in Morocco: A Journey of Light and Color” and Martha Lucy, deputy director for research, interpretation and education at the Barnes, in a special one-day workshop that explores how Morocco transformed Matisse’s art—and how this singular portrait came to be.
“Matisse in Morocco: A Journey of Light and Color” by Jeff Koehler, published by Pegasus Books, is available in the Barnes Shop.
Matisse, Morocco, and The Seated Riffian
📅 Tuesday, June 10
🕓 4pm – 6pm EST
📍 On-site
🔗 Enroll ➡ https://bit.ly/4kgQogK