Henri Matisse's Meant To Be Shared

Arthur Ross (1910-2007), a philanthropist, is known for letting academic museums use his art collections in exhibitions. This year, in the honor of Arthur Ross, the University of Florida’s Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is currently hosting an exhibition entitled Meant to Be Shared. This exhibition features more than one hundred 18th-20th century Italian, French, and Spanish prints. Throughout history, artists have used printmaking to create numerous pieces of compelling and profound artwork. This exhibition features well known painters and etchers, like Henri Matisse, Édouard Manet, and Francesco Piranesi.

Henri Matisse is a French artist from the early 20th century. Matisse worked with many forms of art, but is mostly known for his paintings. Being a part of the Fauvism Movement, Matisses painting style was fluid with a unique use of colors. In the exhibit Meant to Be Shared at the Harn museum, his piece Nadia in Sharp Profile (1948) is currently being shown. This painting depicts the side

Known as one of the most controversial artists during this time, Manets artwork bridged the gap between Realism and Impressionism. He was also one of the first 19th century painters to depict modern life. Manets painting style emphasizes contrasting colors and thick dark lines. In the exhibit Meant to Be Shared, his piece Polichinelle (1874-76) is being shown. This painting depicts the Commedia dell'arte character Pulcinella. This painting is representational and realistic. Manet alternates between thick dark lines and wispy, light lines. The colors in the painting alternate as well between light and dark. For example, colors like pale yellow, sky blue, white, dark green, red, black, and pink are shown. In an exhibit, full of dark pieces of art work, this painting gives the room a little color and a hint of comedy. Manets painting lightens the mood of the entire room and gives the individual something different to look