View from inside the Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse, in Vence (southeastern France). FRANÇOIS FERNANDEZ
Part of what was Henri Matisse's most ambitious project was the Chapelle du Rosaire, which was created for the Dominican nuns' convent in Vence (southeastern France). However, it is arguably Matisse's least beloved work – only Pablo Picasso appreciated it – and also the least studied, until now. Even the most fervent admirers of Matisse, including Pierre Schneider, felt uncomfortable with it; in his comprehensive work on the artist, Matisse, he devoted only a few paragraphs to the piece, expressing his bewilderment.
The Stations of the Cross, one of the most singular mosaics in the artist's oeuvre, is finally receiving thorough study, undertaken by art historian Yve-Alain Bois, the curator of an exhibition specifically dedicated to the work by Aymeric Jeudy at the Musée Matisse in Nice. 80 of the numerous preparatory sketches are on display (and will travel later this year to the Baltimore Museum of Art). For both practical and artistic reasons, the Nice exhibition is preferable, as it allows visitors, especially those who are also traveling to Vence, to experience the completed work firsthand.
