Fruit and Coffeepot

summer 1896

Meeting John Peter Russell

On the island of Belle-Île, Matisse met the Australian painter John Peter Russell, who introduced him to Impressionism and the work of Van Gogh and explained colour theory to him. Matisse later called Russell his teacher.

1896

Debut at the Salon of the Société Nationale

Five of Matisse's paintings were shown at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts; two were purchased by the state. At the suggestion of Puvis de Chavannes, he became an associate member of the Salon.

8. Januar 1898

Married: Amélie Parayre

10 January 1898

Marriage to Amélie Parayre

Matisse married Amélie Parayre, the daughter of a schoolteacher from Toulouse. The marriage produced sons Jean and Pierre; his wife and his daughter Marguerite became the artist's favourite models.

1899

Meeting André Derain

After leaving the École des Beaux-Arts, Matisse enrolled in the classes of Eugène Carrière, where he met André Derain, Jean Puy, Jules Flandrin, and Maurice de Vlaminck.

10. November 1899

Son born: Jean Gérard Matisse