Henri Matisse originally intended to title this 1947 suite, or series of pochoir prints, Le Cirque since so many of the images reference the circus. However, the suite also includes images of mythology and travel. Icarus, who in Greek mythology flew too close to the sun on wings made of wax, inspired one of the most iconic Jazz images: a silhouette of a human figure with a tiny red heart on a brilliant blue background with yellow sunbursts.

 

Matisse’s flight over Tahiti in 1930 informed the beautifully undulating shapes of Lagoon. When Matisse’s publisher looked at these disparate elements he thought Jazz would be a more fitting title. Matisse especially appreciated the similarities between improvisational music and the process of making art.