Classic Henri Matisse Poster – 1946 Les Lettres Portugaises Art Print
This Henri Matisse poster features a bold yellow square with black botanical line drawings and classic blue typography. Our vintage 1940s lithograph print is produced on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper for a high-quality finish.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
This Henri Matisse poster serves as a meticulous reproduction of the 1946 exhibition announcement for ‘Les Lettres Portugaises,’ originally hosted at the Pierre Berès gallery in Paris. This specific period in the artist’s career was defined by a shift toward simplified line work and bold blocks of color, a precursor to his later cut-out phase. The visual focus of the print is a vibrant yellow rectangle that contains three stylized pomegranate or floral motifs rendered in fluid, black ink contours. This contrast between the saturated primary color and the organic sketches provides a sophisticated focal point for any interior setting.
The Significance of the Henri Matisse Poster in 1946
The year 1946 was a pivotal moment for French art, as the cultural world emerged from the constraints of war. The Henri Matisse poster for this exhibition represents the artist’s collaboration with Tériade, the famed publisher of ‘Verve’ and various artist books. The exhibition focused on his illustrations for the 17th-century Portuguese Letters, a set of five epistolary writings attributed to Mariana Alcoforado. Matisse’s approach to these illustrations was one of reduction, seeking to capture the emotional weight of the text through the most economical use of line. When you display a Henri Matisse poster from this era, you are showcasing a piece of history that helped define the post-war Parisian aesthetic.
Technical Specifications and Printing Quality
Our commitment to quality ensures that every Henri Matisse poster we produce meets archival standards. We utilize 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper, which provides a heavy, premium feel and prevents the glare often associated with inferior glossy stocks. The inks used are fade-resistant archival pigments, specifically selected to replicate the depth of the original blue typography and the warmth of the yellow ochre graphic. This Henri Matisse poster is printed using professional large-format technology to maintain the sharpness of the serif and script fonts found in the original 14 Avenue de Friedland announcement.
Lithographic Style and Heritage
The original poster was produced by the legendary Mourlot Frères printing house in Paris. Mourlot was the premier destination for the 20th century’s most famous artists, including Picasso, Chagall, and Miró. By reproducing this Henri Matisse poster, we preserve the distinct lithographic look, characterized by the slight irregularities in the color blocks and the hand-lettered feel of the text. The inclusion of the gallery name, Pierre Berès, and the dates of the exhibition (12 au 24 Décembre 1946) adds an layer of authenticity and vintage charm to the composition.
Styling Your Vintage 1940s Lithograph Print
Because of its minimalist palette and balanced composition, this Henri Matisse poster fits naturally into various decor styles. Whether placed in a mid-century modern living room, a contemporary office, or a gallery-style hallway, the artwork provides a sophisticated touch of color without overwhelming the space. The cream-colored background allows the blue and yellow elements to stand out, making it an ideal choice for neutral walls or wood-paneled environments. This Henri Matisse poster bridges the gap between traditional fine art and modern graphic design, reflecting the enduring legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.
- Paper: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish.
- Inks: Fade-resistant archival, professional large-format.
- Framing: Ships unframed, standard frame-ready.
- Digital download: 300 DPI high-resolution file available.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
