Matisse Horse & Carriage Chiffon Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A vibrant Fox & Chave chiffon silk scarf with elements from one of the lesser known works from the Jazz series by Henri Matisse (1869-1954) entitled L'enterrement de Pierrot (1947)

Translated as 'The Burial of Pierrot', the work is one that is part of the book Jazz commissioned by the publisher Elf Tériade. Due to incapacity from illness, Matisse developed a technique of cutting out paper and using gouache for the works.

This example features a white horse and carriage, with a blue wagon body adorned with a star or cross motif, set against vibrant pink and yellow accents.

The work draws on the long-standing tradition of commedia dell’arte, particularly the character Pierrot, the sad, naive clown figure often portrayed as a symbol of lost innocence or melancholy.

Matisse was fascinated by performance, theatre, and music throughout his life, and Pierrot, as a tragicomic figure, appears across French art, theatre, and poetry.

COLOURS

STYLING

There are many ways to style a Fox & Chave chiffon silk scarf including the basic drape, belted drape and reverse drape. Our chiffon silk scarfs look really good worn in the bandit knot or faux infinity style too. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.