Painters Born in the 1800s 1800s Painters    

Lesson 4: The Dessert: Harmony in Red

by Henri Matisse

Directions

Study the painting for one week.

Over the week:

• Look at the painting.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Read about the artist.
• Practice reciting the names of the artist and the painting.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Henri Matisse's 'The Dessert: Harmony in Red (The Red Room)' painting was influenced by Japanese art and features the color red. Matisse first painted the work in blue, but was unsatisfied with the outcome and repainted it red. 'The Red Room' shows a woman tending a table covered in a red cloth and laden with fruit and wine. A view through the window shows a blue sky, a green lawn, bushes, white trees, flowering plants, and a pink building. Some experts consider this painting Matisse's masterpiece.

Vocabulary

Japanese: Of or related to the country of Japan.
Harmony: An agreement or a combination that has a pleasing effect.
Dessert: The sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.

Concepts

1. Henri Matisse was born in 1869 in France.

2. Zoom in and find Matisse's country of birth on the map of Europe.

3. Matisse was an important figure in modern art. Modern art embraces breaking with tradition and experimenting with new techniques.
4. Matisse experimented with bright, unnatural colors in a style called Fauvism. Some of his works shocked people at the time they were released.
5. Matisse died in 1954 at the age of 84.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

During the week, study the painting and find the following:

• Sky
• Building
• Trees
• Flowers (both outside and inside)
• Fruit
• Maid
• Wallpaper
• Tablecloth
• Chairs (2)
• Vase
• Wine

Activity 2: Narrate the Painting

• After studying the painting, narrate the scene shown in the painting aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Complete Vocabulary Activities

• While studying the vocabulary words, point them out in the painting.
• Define each of the vocabulary words in your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Painting   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 8 of 'First Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

What is the setting of the painting?

1 / 2

Answer 1

The setting is a dining room inside a house.

1 / 2

Question 2

Why is the work titled 'The Dessert: Harmony in Red?'

2 / 2

Answer 2

The painting shows a table set with dessert including fruit and wine. The walls, tablecloth, chair, and some of the fruit are red.

2 / 2

❮ ❯

1. What is the setting of the painting? The setting is a dining room inside a house.
2. Why is the work titled 'The Dessert: Harmony in Red?' The painting shows a table set with dessert including fruit and wine. The walls, tablecloth, chair, and some of the fruit are red.

References

'Henri Matisse.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'The Dessert: Harmony in Red (The Red Room).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.