Artists and Their Pets: Henri Matisse

Pets provide companionship and emotional support, and reduce stress levels and loneliness during these uncertain days. Notable artists were inspired by their animal companions and they often contributed to their body of work. This is the first in an ongoing series of famous artists and their animal muses. Enjoy!

French painter Henri Matisse led the Fauvist movement that celebrated bold color and simplified forms. He loved cats, especially his favorite felines, Minouche, and Coussi. In true French fashion, they breakfasted on brioche. Although cats were not featured heavily in his work, they were his constant companions. At the end of his life, Matisse often worked from bed with them by his side.