Matisse in Morocco

“In time, the work Matisse produced in Tangier would excite a near-religious devotion in many art lovers, who would come to feel—and still feel—that the artist never did anything more splendid in the line of color expression. Clearly the author is following literally in Matisse’s footsteps. Every detail counts; vivification is the aim; analytical musings would be otiose. Mr. Koehler refrains from criticism or interpretation: He is a pilgrim exploring a shrine, and nothing escapes his benignant gaze. Mr. Koehler wants to know everything, and though we may find their treatment saddening, we may also be thankful for his account.” – Dan Hofstadter, The Wall Street Journal
“In Matisse in Morocco, Jeff Koehler argues that Tangier provided a singular creative context for the painter to grow and experiment, leading to artistic advances that would shape the rest of his career. Koehler successfully establishes Matisse’s long-standing reverence for Islamic art and decoration, which were strong influences in his work. Koehler weaves in fascinating stories about Matisse’s fellow artists, previous international journeys, and important but controversial collectors.” * Hyperallergic *
“In 1912, Matisse sailed for Tangier with his wife. He needed to escape the Parisian art scene and find inspiration elsewhere. In an engaging biography, journalist Koehler recounts Matisse’s two stays in Morocco. Reproduced in vibrant color plates, Matisse’s ‘lush, sensual’ paintings give striking proof of his artistic reawakening in Tangier. A revealing look at an iconic painter.” * Kirkus Reviews *
“A labor of love, as meticulously researched as a Ph.D. thesis, as charmingly composed as the travelogues of Goethe, and with characters worthy of Balzac. Matisse’s paintings are vividly, clearly, and completely described. Koehler weaves his narrative back and forth across Matisse’s entire career and its aftermath, always returning to these Moroccan masterpieces. His approach is convincing and easy to follow.” * The Arts Fuse *
“A compelling and picturesque biography centering around Henri Matisse’s Moroccan period. This captivating book by Jeff Koehler fuses deep research with great storytelling, and is a pleasurable read for all art lovers.” * DailyArt Magazine *
Praise for Jeff Koehler:

“Koehler weaves an absorbing narrative.” * New York Times Book Review *
“Koehler has the polymath’s curiosity for everything, as well as the writer’s ability to listen to and retell a good story.” * Nicholas Lezard, Guardian *
“Koehler is an expert guide.” * William Grimes, New York Times Book Review *
“Koehler is a natural writer and storyteller.” * Seattle Times *
“[Koehler’s] prose is both sensory and balletic.” * Chicago Tribune *

Jeff Koehler is a Barcelona-based American writer and author of eleven books. His titles have won a James Beard Award, named Editors’ Choice in the New York Times and paperback of the week in the Guardian, given a starred review in Kirkus, and included in “best of” roundups in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, National Geographic Traveller, NPR’s “Here and Now,” Science, Nature, CS Monitor, Smithsonian, Mother Jones, Entertainment Weekly, and Bustle. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, NPR.org, Wall Street Journal, Saveur, Times Literary Supplement, South China Morning Post, Vogue Arabia, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and many other publications. Follow him on Instagram @jeff_koehler

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.