Pink Nude (1935)

Matisse's journey towards simplification and abstraction took a leap forward with his Pink Nude. Intricate patterns and naturalistic figures are discarded in favour of plain forms and stylised surfaces.

It was created near the beginning of the relationship between Matisse and his muse, studio assistant and, ultimately, lifetime carer, Lydia Delectorskaya.

She models for him here, dominating the canvas with Matisse exaggerating what he called "the essential lines" to create a flat symbol of femininity.