Notre-Dame, une fin d'après-midi

"Notre-Dame, une fin d'après-midi" is a captivating painting by Henri Matisse, completed in 1902. This piece distinguishes itself with its somber tones, characteristic of Matisse's so-called Dark Period from 1901 to 1903, a phase marked by significant personal struggles. The painting, an oil on paper mounted on canvas, measures 72.5 × 54.5 cm. It is currently housed in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

During the late 1890s and early 1900s, Matisse's style underwent a dramatic transformation. Between 1896 and 1901, he transitioned from muted colors to a more vibrant palette, heavily influenced by his interactions with fellow artists like John Russell and Camille Pissarro. However, in 1902, the financial fallout from the Humbert Affair forced Matisse to create more commercially viable art to support his family.

Despite these challenges, this period also marked a time of significant experimentation for Matisse. He delved into exploring volume and form in both his paintings and sculptures. One notable work from this time is "Carmelina" (1903), which showcases his evolving techniques.