Matisse Poetry Illustrations Come to Atlanta

Simple line drawings aren't what most art lovers think of when people mention Henri Matisse, who's better known for his vivid, colorful paintings.

The artist produced dozens of drawings and etchings as illutrations for the work of French poets Stephane Mallarme and Pierre Ronsard. Matisse's drawings appeared alongside the poems in his "Florilege des Amours de Ronsard" and "Poesies" collections, published in the 1930s and '40s.

Sixty-three of the illustrations will be on display at the Museum of Art at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta from Jan. 17 until May 9.

The pieces include couples wrapped in each other's arms, women lounging on beds and lush flowers. They also include familiar images, such as a sketch of the frolicking figures from his vibrant painting, "The Dance."

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Oglethorpe University: http://museum.oglethorpe.edu/