HENRI MATISSE (1869-1954)
Nu couché (Biscotto)
stamped with the artist's initials 'HM.' (lower left) and inscribed extensively (upper right)
pencil on paper
28.2 x 38.7cm (11 1/8 x 15 1/4in).
Executed in 1918
Footnotes:
The authenticity of this work was confirmed by the late Marguerite Duthuit Matisse and has been confirmed by Georges Matisse.

Provenance
The artist's estate (until 1980).
Private collection.
Anon. sale, Finarte, Milan, 23 May 1996, lot 259.
Private collection, Milan.
Private collection, Milan (by descent from the above).

Literature
W. George, Henri-Matisse, Dessins, Paris, 1925 (illustrated pl. 42).
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR
* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.

The work is laid down to a window mount along all four outer edges (verso). There are artist's pinholes to the upper left, upper right and lower left corners, with one to the upper centre edge. The right, left and lower edges are deckled.



There are a few gentle handling creases present, with some undulation to the lower and right edges. There is mount staining to the outer edges, with a spot of staining to the lower left corner, and the work has darkened slightly within the mount. Some minor surface dirt is present, with some spots of foxing.



In our opinion, the work is in overall good condition.