Dedication to the Great Matisse

The Restoration Project

Insurer, collector, patron of the arts: Nationale Suisse commits itself with passion to the fine arts and their spiritual values. This includes financial support for an important restoration project at the Beyeler Foundation – aimed at the long-term preservation of Henri Matisse’s «Acanthes».

Henri Matisse, «Acanthes», 1953, charcoal and paper cutouts painted in gouache glued on paper on canvas, 311 x 350.5 cm. Fondation Beyeler, Riehen / Basel, © 2010 Succession Henri Matisse / ProLitteris, Zurich

«Acanthes» is one of the masterpieces of the series of large-format «papiers découpés» by Henri Matisse who, together with Pablo Picasso, is considered one of the most important modern artists.

Complex Technique

The complex arrangement and painting technique of this «Décoration», which makes such a buoyant impression despite its enormous proportions of 311 x 350.5 cm, consists of multiple layers of wood, canvas, various papers and paints. The different materials are subject to differing ageing processes. In order to be able to preserve this work long-term, conservation measures are being taken within the framework of an extensive restoration project.

Nationale Suisse is very pleased to be in partnership with the internationally respected Beyeler Foundation in Riehen (by Basel), the owner of «Acanthes», and to be able to contribute to this project which is of importance to the entire world of art.

More about this truly grand work and exciting insights into the current restoration work are to be found under acanthes.fondationbeyeler.ch.