Matisse, King of Colour

For fifteen years Laurence Anholt has been producing a series of carefully researched picture books about great artists, each based on an actual encounter of the artist with a real child.

The latest centres on the teenage Monique, who comes to nurse Matisse, already an old man but living in rooms filled with his amazing colourful art.

She becomes the model for some of his work, and years later, after she has entered a convent, they meet again by chance. To thank her, he creates a chapel, and spectacular stained-glass windows for the nuns.

Anholt faithfully represents Matisse's life and artistic style within the text of the story, scattering typical motifs through the spreads. He adds additional facts in a biography.