A Model for Matisse

A Model for Matisse

A warm and richly painted portrait of the little known and tender relationship between one of the twentieth century's greatest artists, Henri Matisse, and Sister Jacques-Marie, the woman who inspired him to create what Matisse proclaimed the masterpiece of his life's work: The Chapel of the Rosary in the French Mediterranean village of Vence.

In 1941, Sister Jacques-Marie - then Monique Bourgeois - was a 21-year-old nursing student and amateur artist living in Nice. She answered an ad placed by Matisse seeking "a young and pretty night nurse," and from this humble beginning a beautiful friendship developed.

This lovely film documents the story's personal and historic aspects, presenting Matisse's never-before filmed hand-painted gouaches and fabrics as well as a rich collection of photographs and archival footage of the aged Matisse working on the Chapel's ceramics.

A Model for Matisse
  • A MODEL FOR MATISSE

    Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the New York/Avignon Film Festival, A Model for Matisse is a warm and richly painted portrait of the little known and tender relationship between one of the twentieth century's greatest artists, Henri Matisse, and Sister Jacques-Marie, the woman who inspire...