Henri Matisse (1869 ?1954), is considered to be one of the preeminent artists of the early twentieth century. By placing its focus on the artist?s portraits, the show as well as the exhibition catalogue will concentrate on a facet of his oeuvre, which has never yet been the theme of an exhibition. The concern here will be with the fascinating question as to how Matisse managed to create a likeness of his subject despite the fact that his consistent aim was the generally valid synthesis of the outward appearance of nature ? and not >>exactitude>true character>true portrait>true portrait<<.