Blue Nude IV (1952) by Henri Matisse - Poster

The Blue Nudes series began as compositions made from painted paper cut-outs, cut, layered and pasted together. Their visible joins, shifts in tone and uneven surfaces are part of the original works. Rather than digitally tidying away these details, we’ve chosen to reproduce each piece as faithfully as possible.

Blue paper, a soft white ground and a body distilled into pure rhythm. This poster features Henri Matisse’s 1952 Blue Nude, from his late cut-paper period. The crouching figure, rendered in bold ultramarine, takes shape through crisp forms and visible collage joins. Negative space carries the composition; the pose feels both still and full of energy.

Putting together a gallery wall, or looking for a considered focal point above the sofa? Explore our hand-picked collection of Matisse prints to play with silhouettes, blocks of colour and scale. It works beautifully with neutral walls, warm timber and linen textures, whether in a London flat or a country home. One bold shade, with plenty of movement.

• Colour palette: deep ultramarine on warm off-white
• Technique: cut-paper collage reproduced as a fine art poster
• Complements minimalist, coastal and mid-century interiors
• Available in several sizes to suit your space

A leading figure of Fauvism, Matisse later embraced “drawing with scissors”, in pursuit of clarity, light and musical rhythm. That spirit comes through here: crisp edges, economical gestures and a serene mood. Display it on its own or let it anchor a collection of blue studies.

Ready to make room for this modern icon? Choose your size and enjoy its open shapes. To find out more, read our feature on Matisse’s playful life and the joy of cut paper.