BMA exhibition highlights how Matisse reimagined the Stations of the Cross March 25, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Feature, Local News, News Henri Matisse was perhaps the unlikeliest of artists to create the Stations of the Cross. Though baptized a Catholic, the celebrated French painter was not a religious man. He had little familiarity with the Bible, Christian theolo...
The article highlights an interesting example of a secular artist taking on a religious commission, particularly given Matisse's lack of religious background. The project presents a challenge to Matisse's conviction that a work of art must be perceived as a unified whole, as the Stations inherently involve distinct scenes of the Passion. The article also touches upon the collaboration between Matisse and Sister Jacques-Marie, as well as the unusual response the finished Stations drew when they w...