Paris-based Musée d'Art Moderne has received a rare donation of 61 artworks from the family of Henri Matisse, one of France's most celebrated artists. The collection includes paintings, drawings, etchings, lithographs, and even a sculpture - all showcasing Matisse's daughter Marguerite, who was his favourite subject.
The stunning works, many of which had previously been loaned to the museum for exhibitions, are now set to be permanently housed there. According to museum officials, this donation is not only exceptionally generous but also historic. It comes from Barbara Dauphin Duthuit, the wife of Matisse's grandson Claude, who sadly passed away in 2011.
Marguerite, born during her father's relationship with a model, became his step-daughter after he married. The young Marguerite contracted diphtheria at just six years old and underwent an emergency tracheotomy. She continued to be the subject of many of Matisse's works throughout her life, including some incredible portraits that capture the beauty and vulnerability of this extraordinary woman.
The museum is thrilled to welcome these artworks into its collection, describing them as "extremely beautiful and moving". Director Fabrice Hergott praised the generosity of Marguerite's family, saying that their gesture "testifies to Madame Duthuit's deep commitment to and confidence in the museum".
With this new addition, the Musée d'Art Moderne will now have a total of 61 Matisse artworks on its shelves - a truly remarkable collection. The museum has been a custodian of the artist's works since 2013, when Marguerite was donated one of her father's famous portraits, "Marguerite with a Black Cat".
The stunning works, many of which had previously been loaned to the museum for exhibitions, are now set to be permanently housed there. According to museum officials, this donation is not only exceptionally generous but also historic. It comes from Barbara Dauphin Duthuit, the wife of Matisse's grandson Claude, who sadly passed away in 2011.
Marguerite, born during her father's relationship with a model, became his step-daughter after he married. The young Marguerite contracted diphtheria at just six years old and underwent an emergency tracheotomy. She continued to be the subject of many of Matisse's works throughout her life, including some incredible portraits that capture the beauty and vulnerability of this extraordinary woman.
The museum is thrilled to welcome these artworks into its collection, describing them as "extremely beautiful and moving". Director Fabrice Hergott praised the generosity of Marguerite's family, saying that their gesture "testifies to Madame Duthuit's deep commitment to and confidence in the museum".
With this new addition, the Musée d'Art Moderne will now have a total of 61 Matisse artworks on its shelves - a truly remarkable collection. The museum has been a custodian of the artist's works since 2013, when Marguerite was donated one of her father's famous portraits, "Marguerite with a Black Cat".
Can you believe this? A whole bunch of artworks from the Matisse family just dropped into the Musée d'Art Moderne and I'm over here wondering what took so long. Like, was there ever gonna be a 'perfect' moment to add more Matisse masterpieces to the collection? 
Anyway, 61 is still a pretty impressive number and I guess it's great that they're finally getting all these gorgeous pieces on permanent display. Those portraits of Marguerite are supposed to be super emotional – can't wait to see them up close 
. On the bright side, it's awesome that Barbara Dauphin Duthuit is giving back to the art world like this... now let's get her a permanent seat at the museum or something 
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I'm all about the art world and I've been following this museum for ages. It's like, finally, some of these masterpieces are going to be available to the public on a permanent basis. And what's crazy is that one of the artworks features Marguerite as the main subject - talk about an inspiration! 
. But honestly, if you want to see some real art, you should check out the lesser-known pieces in their collection... those are the ones that'll really give you something to think about 
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. I mean, can you even imagine walking into that gallery and being surrounded by those incredible portraits of Marguerite? The fact that her family is giving these artworks to the museum as a permanent donation is just amazing 
. It's not every day you get to see such stunning pieces up close and personal. And to think that Marguerite was this beautiful, strong woman who was Matisse's muse... it's like, totally fascinating 
. I'm sure the Musée d'Art Moderne is super stoked to have these works on their shelves - it's a big deal for any art museum! 
This is an amazing donation! I mean, can you imagine having Henri Matisse's daughter as your favourite subject? 
i mean, she's been the muse for so many of his works and now they're all going to be displayed forever in one place... i'm literally crying just thinking about it 
it's like, totally historic and amazing at the same time... and did u know that marguerite had to get an emergency tracheotomy at age 6?!?! 
anywayz, this new addition is just gonna make the musée d'art moderne one of the most iconic art museums ever... gotta get there ASAP!!! 
. I mean, what are the chances that Marguerite's family just happens to donate all these artworks to the museum? And after all these years? It's like they're trying to get their names in lights or something. And don't even get me started on the fact that they've only now decided to donate them after Claude passed away...could be a tax write-off, you know? 
Anyway, I'll believe it when I see the receipts...
Just heard that there's gonna be some flooding in London next week due to heavy rainfall 
and it's not looking good for the city's underground tunnels. Like, seriously bad 
. Just when you thought 2025 was gonna be a decent year... 
. i'm so stoked for everyone involved in this! 
. I mean, can you imagine being the subject of so many portraits by a legendary artist? It's like she was living her own art film or something.
. And it's not just about the art itself, but also the story behind them - Marguerite's struggles with diphtheria and how that affected her relationship with her dad... it's all so fascinating 
they have like, 61 Matisse artworks now? that's a lot! i can imagine how amazing it must be to walk through and see all those beautiful pieces of art 
i mean what's not to love about this? Henri Matisse is like the ultimate artist and his daughter Marguerite being his muse is just too perfect 
. this is definitely one of the best art news stories ever 
it's not just about the art itself but also about the story behind them. the fact that marguerite had such a tough childhood and yet her dad continued to draw inspiration from her is just so beautiful 
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! And now, we get to enjoy a whopping 61 of these masterpieces at the Musée d'Art Moderne. I mean, can you even put a price on that kind of artistry? 
! And get this – the average age when she became an artistic subject was just around 6 years old 
. The museum has been working with Marguerite's family for over 12 years now, and this donation is just the icing on the cake 
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This latest addition will surely draw even more art lovers to the museum. What a way to celebrate Claude Dauphin Duthuit's legacy!