With vivid hues and bold strokes, Henri Matisse, regarded as one of the most inspirational painters of the 20th century, achieved world renown for his impassioned works. During his career which lasted more than 50 years, Matisse participated in and perpetuated multiple artistic movements, from Impressionism to near Abstraction — leaving behind an artistic legacy that continues to fascinate and educate art lovers around the world.

One of Matisse’s most exciting bodies of work premieres at the Norton Museum of Art through April 16, 2006. Titled “Matisse in Transition: Around Laurette,” this in-depth, groundbreaking exhibit provides the first comprehensive documentation of two major turning points in the artist’s colorful oeuvre.

From 1916 through 1919, Matisse created a suite of works featuring his Italian model, known only by her first name, Laurette — which led to the completion of his first painted series. “Matisse in Transition” chronicles the artist’s study of Laurette in a variety of forms and postures — an approach Matisse later developed and used often throughout the remainder of his métier.

This show also highlights another pivotal stylistic transformation. “In addition to his first series, this exhibit displays Matisse’s transition from stark palettes and demure poses to the ‘odalisque’ style — which includes more warmth, color and intimacy,” says the Norton’s Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Art Mark Rosenthal.

The Guggenheim Museum and Centre Georges Pompidou are just two of the many contributors to the exhibit, which includes 19 paintings and several related drawings of Laurette. For more information, visit www.norton.org or call 561/832-5196.