Link only available on sub pages

Olga Markova Meerson associated with many well-known artists of her time, including Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter and Henri Matisse. Yet today she is almost forgotten: many of her works are considered lost, and the few paintings held by museums are rarely exhibited.
Meerson was not only Matisse’s pupil, but also a close confidante. In 1911, she travelled with his family to Collioure in the south of France to support him in his work. It was there that she painted this portrait of her teacher. Unlike Matisse, who often depicted women in a playful manner and in conjunction with floral motifs, Meerson opted for a minimalist, geometric pattern. The painting has a serious air about it—perhaps a sign of her respect for the master.
The young artist’s feelings, however, went beyond artistic exchange. When the Matisses learnt of Meerson’s romantic interest, contact ceased at the end of 1911.