A classic work from the 1947 Jazz series, this cut-out by Henri Matisse uses bold shapes and high-contrast colours to capture a sense of movement.

The Toboggan is a work from the Jazz series, a collection of twenty prints published by Tériade in 1947. During this period, Henri Matisse was confined to his bed or wheelchair due to health issues, which led him to develop his signature cut-out technique. He used scissors to carve shapes directly into sheets of paper painted with gouache, a method he described as drawing with scissors. This process allowed him to simplify form and colour into their most essential components. The composition features a central, abstract figure suspended against a deep purple ground. The figure, rendered in a soft blue, suggests a body in motion, perhaps mid-descent. The surrounding elements are arranged in horizontal bands, creating a rhythmic structure that frames the central action. Matisse employs a palette of high-contrast colours: sharp reds, yellows, and greens set against black and white borders. These geometric and organic shapes interact to create a sense of playfulness and kinetic energy. Unlike his earlier paintings, which relied on brushwork and layering, these cut-outs focus on the relationship between positive and negative space. The edges are clean and decisive, reflecting the physical act of cutting. The work demonstrates his interest in decorative patterns and the synthesis of figure and background. By stripping away unnecessary detail, Matisse achieves a clarity of expression that defines his late career. This print captures the spirit of the Jazz series, where the artist sought to translate the improvisational nature of music into a visual medium. The result is a balanced arrangement that remains accessible while maintaining the rigour of his artistic vision.