Henri Matisse’s drawings demonstrate his mastery of line, distilling form to its essential elements with remarkable fluidity. Working with pen, ink, charcoal and pencil, he created both preparatory studies and finished artworks, often focusing on the human figure. His series of female nudes and portraits, including the Themes and Variations drawings, highlight his ability to express movement and emotion with minimal detail. His later works, particularly those executed in brush and ink, show a confident, calligraphic quality that influenced his cut-out compositions. Matisse’s drawings remain integral to understanding his artistic vision, offering a direct insight into his creative process.