Matisse executed a phenomenal 158 drawings within this period, which were then gathered into a portfolio, reproduced and published in 1943 as Dessins: Thèmes et Variations. The drawings were executed systematically: there were 17 sequences or themes, lettered A to P, with each theme consisting of 3 to 19 variations.

This illustration, Theme I, Variation 8, is from the above portfolio after a drawing executed between 1941-42.

From the limited edition of 950, 1-10 on Japon, 11-30 on Arches and 31-950 on Velin pur fil, the portfolio cover sheet was signed by the artist. Portfolio No. 668. Published by Martin Fabiani, Paris, 1943.

Literature: Musee Matisse, Nice pg. 81; Duthuit Catalogue Raisonne, 1983.

Certificate of Authenticity