Episode No. 757 of The Modern Art Notes Podcast features art historian and curator Yve-Alain Bois.
Bois is the curator of “Matisse in Vence: The Stations of the Cross,” at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The exhibition presents about 80 of the drawings Matisse made for the painted ceramic mural of the Stations of the Cross at the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence. The exhibition reveals how Matisse worked through each of the Stations to arrive at a syncretic, dramatic presentation. Bois was assisted by Alix Agret and Katy Rothkopf. The exhibition, which is on view through June 28, is accompanied by a fascinating, essential catalogue published by Musée Matisse Nice and Bernard Chauveau Publishing. It is available from the BMA for $35.
Instagram: Yve-Alain Bois, Tyler Green.
Air date: May 7, 2026.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 4th Station (Jesus meets His Mother), 1948.
Henri Matisse, Stations of the Cross, Chapel of the Rosary, Vence, 1950.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 1st Station (Jesus Standing), 1948.
Mantegna, Judgment of Saint James, 1448-57. Reconstructed with photographs, in-painting, and original fragments after the US bombed the church in 1944. Image via SmartHistory.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 5th Station (Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross), 1949.
Henri Matisse, Ceramic sketch for the 13th station, 1950.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 7th Station (Jesus falls for the second time), 1948.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 9th Station (Jesus falls for the third time), 1948.
Philippe de Champaigne, The Dead Christ, 1650-64.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 9th Station (Jesus falls for the third time), recto, 1948.
Henri Matisse, Study for the 9th Station (Jesus falls for the third time), verso, 1948.
Installation view of the First Station at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Interior view of the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, with the Virgin and Child (left) and the Stations of the Cross (background).
Instalation view of the Eleventh Station, Baltimore Museum of Art.
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