“The Green Stripe” by Henri Matisse
My father kept a key behind a small picture painted by Matisse. It was the second key to the door from the cellar and out. We always got into our house that way. The first key sat in the lock inside the door. The extra key was used when the family went to bed at night.
Did you lock the door in the cellar?
When my mom died in October 2008, we spent some months clearing the house for sale. The picture is now at my husband’s work where he likes to collect reproductions. The painting is at our Danish State’s Museum of Art together with a few other of his colourful works. There is something about his choice of colours.
More from our State’s Museum of Art in Copenhagen
If my husband and I happen to come across an art museum where they have Matisse’s works, we make sure to visit the place.
His late paper cut from different special exhibitions
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- Matisse’s late paper cuts
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- Matisse’s late paper cuts
Matisse’s late paper cuts
Categories: Family history
From one Heart to Another 
Such an interesting detail of a life. Lovely post. Thank you. š
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sometimes I ask myself :How is it possible to find new ideas to write about? But somehow they just arrive in time while looking at a picture or remembering a memory. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. ThatĀ“s so nice JoHanna
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What great memories of this painting—and entirely functional!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#seniorsalon
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Thank you robjodiefilogomo. It was a good hiding place for the key.
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Lovely story š
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Thank you thejuicenutšI was reminded of my father’s sense of humour. We had to swipe that picture to the side to get the key
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I’m glad you held on to the picture, one that brings a smile to your face when you see it or think about it.
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Emptying a home š” puts you in difficult choices that can’t be regretted
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I agree. I veer between decluttering and holding on to old things that have memories. One minute I decide it all has to go and when it comes to it, I can’t! When you are the in-between generation space becomes an issue because you are holding on to your parents’ and grandparents’ things as well as your grown-up children’s and their children’s things! I keep telling them they will have to build an extension for all my treasures when I’m gone, but I suspect it will all go to the charity shops!
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Exactly like we have it here in my home. It’s hard to think of my family photo albums being thrown out after I have gone
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Marie, how special is it that a work of fine art can trigger a childhood memory. Thanks for sharing.
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I love his work as well. So free.
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Yes you see how he has developed his strokes so his paintings seem done quickly and free and his choice of colours are striking. Thank you for reading and commenting Judy
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