Continuously in print for more than 20 years, Abrams' Masters of Art series has always been known for its exceptional quality and value. Now these classic volumes devoted to the lives and works of the world's greatest painters have been newly redesigned and released in paperback for the first time. Comprehensive introductory texts written by distinguished art historians provide incisive and informative portraits of the artists, and their analysis is accompanied by sketches, related works by other artists, and black-and-white photographs. Each book features 40 full-page, full-color plates with commentaries on the facing page.One of the pioneering masters of 20th-century art, Henri Matisse was an extraordinarily versatile and productive artist throughout his long career, which spanned from the 1890s to his death in 1954. Although he was an outstanding draftsman and sculptor, Matisse's best-loved works were his vibrant and colorful paintings, which are the focus of this beautiful volume.