Henri Matisse

Lithograph, 1925, a fine impression, signed in pencil, inscribed and numbered épr. d'artiste 2/10 (aside from the edition of 50), on china paper 

With wide margins, in very good fresh condition apart from two short repaired tears measuring 20 and 25mm respectively at lower right edge of sheet (away from the image), and four other tiny repaired tears to the same edge, a narrow band of red and blue pigments at extreme upper edge of sheet, soft wrinkling to the sheet in right margin slightly affecting the image at right (associated with this kind of paper), inscribed 'pe 64' in pencil lower left corner verso, unframed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Matisse focused on lithography in three phases in his life: 1906, 1914 and again in the  1920's when he chose this medium to produce a series of sensual odalisques in exotic settings.

Grand Odalisque à la culotte bayadère is his most important and monumental lithograph in which he shows his favourite model Henriette Darricarrère who worked for Matisse from the early 1920s until 1927. This extraordinary work shows Henriette seated with one leg raised and tucked under, a pose which fascinated Matisse and appears in many of his paintings and lithographs of the time. The viewer is drawn to observe the play of light and shade and the contrast between the rich textures: the bold stripes of the culotte, the floral pattern of the drapery that covers the chair and the silky skin of the model. Meanwhile, Henriette gazes at us calmly and authoratively, completely at ease in her role.