L'escargot - 1952
Tate Gallery, London
112.5" x 113"

This picture entitled L'escargot was made using the gouaches découpage method. It was made in 1952 and was finished just one year before his death in 1954. L'escargot or snail is a fine example of how despite his deteriorating health Matisse continued making works of art. His unfailing eye for colour and talent for design are visible in the way he constructed the picture. Using only torn strips of coloured paper he managed to create the likeness of a snail which is visually appealing. The découpage technique was Matisse's only method of working at that time yet he still managed to use it to create recognised masterpieces such as this one, amongst the most famous.