Henri Matisse is known for his titular role in major art movements in the early 20th century. Matisse’s early works were part of Fauvism, which is known for its creative use of color and expressiveness. While Fauvism was a short-lived artistic movement, it was deeply impactful on the art world at the time.
Now, one of Matisse’s most iconic and shocking paintings will have a unique exhibition at SFMOMA. Femme au chapeau debuted in 1905 at the Salon d’Automne in Paris, immediately causing controversy with its departure from conventional styles at the time. The exhibition, titled Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal, will focus on the painting’s history and the scandal it caused.
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share the full story of Matisse’s Femme au chapeau— a painting that marks the artist’s radical break from convention in the early years of his career,” said Janet Bishop, SFMOMA’s Thomas Weisel Family Chief Curator. “Arguably SFMOMA’s most art historically significant painting—Femme au chapeau began sending shockwaves through the art world as soon as it left Matisse’s studio and has captivated viewers ever since. The exhibition will tell its full story, from its public debut in 1905, to its years as a must-see painting in Leo and Gertrude Stein’s Left Bank apartment, to the walls of SFMOMA.”
The painting, acquired in 1992, is already part of SFMOMA’s collection, but the exhibition will explore why it is so iconic today. The new exhibition will recreate the Parisian salon where it first debuted, featuring works by all 10 of the artists at the original gallery. The rest of the exhibition will analyze the painting, including the model, Amélie Matisse. Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal will open at SFMOMA on May 16 and run through September 7, 2026. For now, the painting is still on view at the SFMOMA on the 2nd floor.