The figuration of his models also changes. However he remains much demanding with these young women who have to undergo very long poses. Perhaps the artist understood their disappointment when they viewed their pretty faces in Fauvist colors.
Henri sees his future odalisque in 1920. Henriette is 19 years old. Her forms are sculptural : she is tall, and harmoniously muscled by the practice of dance. She is proud of her body and enjoys to dress up. The artist has no sexual desire for his models and Henriette is warmly greeted by his family. Until 1927 she was Henri's favorite model.
On June 27 in London, Christie's sells Nu sur fond rouge, oil on canvas 56 x 34 cm painted in 1922, lot 18 estimated £ 4M. This lot had been sold for $ 4.5M including premium by Sotheby's on November 7, 2007.
The young woman is standing in the nude in full length. The hands resting on the back of the head provide her a fresh and innocent attitude despite the shameless full front nudity. The slightly shiny color of her skin is realistic. The colorful carpets and draperies confirm the artist's quest for orientalism.
SOLD for £ 4.4M including premium