MATISSE'S CHAPELLE DU ROSAIRE DE VENCE, FRANCE

Here is the story behind the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, France (Chapel of the Rosary). Note: this chapel is also referred to as the Matisse Chapel or the Vence Chapel. It is a small Catholic chapel located in the town of Vence on the French Riviera. It was dedicated to a Dominican Order. The church was built and decorated between 1947 and 1951 under a plan devised by artist Henri Matisse. It houses a number of Matisse original works and was regarded by Matisse as his "masterpiece". While the simple white exterior has drawn mixed reviews from casual observers, some regard it as one of the great religious structures of the 20th century.

[ip]

Visiting the Chapelle du Rosaire was the highlight of my many years in Europe. So beautiful, the colors, the design, built with his gratitude to nuns who nursed him to health. If I lived anywhere near there I would spend my time volunteering just to be close to his work.

[indirajayawardhana]

Thank you for enlightening me of its history. I am from Sri Lanka and may never get to see it in person. But the video has brought to my living room. May god bless and our Lady protect you.

[margaretromero]

Beautiful exquisite elegantly simple a true dedication and definition of DEVINE INSPIRATION
Thank you for sharing this excellent salute

[cornelius]

The nun was a former model of Matisse. I have visited it many times and find it a fascinating piece of art.

[muffintopz]

I believe it was an introspective work. An outward reflection of his own spiritual condition: sparse, unfinished, lots of white space representing emptiness, splashes of color indicating hopefulness. The encounter with the nun was probably a profound turning point for him and caused him to at least question himself spiritually whilst creating this space. I like the “coolness” created with the white and blue and white space.

[theblindtibetan]

The three main walls represent suffering, heaven or nirvana and the path from suffering to enlightenment that is dedication to reflection. Outside the cross incorporates Islam and Sufism. He combined all religions into one. A masterpiece.