Discussion Questions
Femme au chapeau (Woman with the Hat)
Henri Matisse
May 2017
Henri Matisse, Femme au chapeau (Woman with a Hat), 1905; collection SFMOMA, bequest of Elise S. Haas; © Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; photo: Ben Blackwell
- What is the first thing you notice about this work? Why do you think you noticed that first?
- Does this work of art express emotion? If yes, which emotion? What do you see that makes you think so?
- If the subject of this painting could speak, what would she say? What do you see in the work that makes you think that?
- In 1905, when this work was first shown, it was considered shocking. Does this seem like a rebellious work of art today? Why or why not?
- What would an outrageous portrait of you look like?
