Episode #39: Rivals- Picasso vs. Matisse

This episode receives additional support from Reynolda House Museum of American Art, where you can find one of the nation's most highly regarded collections of American art on view in a unique domestic setting - the restored 1917 mansion of R. J. and Katharine Reynolds surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful walking trails. You can browse Reynolda's art and decorative arts collections and see what's coming next at their website,  reynoldahouse.org. 
The beginning of the Twentieth Century was a glittering time of hope and innovation. It was one of the golden ages of art, particularly in Paris, the glamorous capital of all things cultural, where writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein hobnobbed and debated ideas with painters like Salvador Dali, Georges Braque and many others who filled the bars, cafes, and salons, working and discussing politics and their idyllic fantasies about what art could be. Thinking and dreaming BIG was the norm-- and collaboration and sharing in each others’ concepts and victories was, too. But there was a shadowy side to such sharing, where friendships and support could morph into jealousy and competitiveness, as the drive to become the best took ultimate control. It is within this sparkling Parisian backdrop that what is possibly the greatest rivalry of art history played out-- what IS modern art, and what should it be?
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Episode Credits
Production and Editing by Kaboonki. Theme music by Alex Davis.  Social media assistance by Emily Crockett. Additional writing and research by Stephanie Pryor.
ArtCurious is sponsored by Anchorlight, an interdisciplinary creative space, founded with the intent of fostering artists, designers, and craftspeople at varying stages of their development. Home to artist studios, residency opportunities, and exhibition space Anchorlight encourages mentorship and the cross-pollination of skills among creatives in the Triangle.
Additional music credits
"Splash In The Ocean" by Daniel Birch is licensed under BY 4.0; "Beach" by Komiku is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal; "Tundra" by Scanglobe is licensed under BY-NC-SA 4.0 ; "Trace Hunters Departement (ID 281)" by Lobo Loco is licensed under BY-NC-ND 4.0; "La neige tiède" by Fourmi is licensed under BY-NC-ND 4.0; Ad Music: "I Was Waiting for Him" by Lee Rosevere is licensed under BY 4.0; "Hey Mercy" by Pierce Murphy is licensed under BY 4.0; "The Valley" by Dee Yan-Key is licensed under BY-NC-SA 4.0; "'Steve Combs Through' Theme" by Steve Combs is licensed under BY 4.0
Links and further resources
Matisse and Picasso: The Story of Their Rivalry and Friendship, Jack Flam
The Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art, Sebastian Smee
In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and the Birth of Modernist Art, Sue Roe
Smithsonian Magazine: "Matisse & Picasso"
The Art Story: Pablo Picasso
PabloPicasso.org: Picasso and Matisse
Slate: Matisse vs. Picasso
The Art Story: Henri Matisse
The Guardian: Quiz: Are You a Picasso or a Matisse?

Pablo Picasso, Self-Portrait, 1907
Henri Matisse, Self-Portrait, 1906
Pablo Picasso, Guernica, 1937
Henri Matisse, Woman with a Hat, 1905

Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907
Henri Matisse, Le Dessert (Harmony in Red), 1908