When the Art Institute of Chicago acquired Henri Matisse’s “Bathers by a River” in 1953, the artist wrote a postcard congratulating the museum, noting that he considered the painting one of the most pivotal works of his career. Years later, the painting would come to serve as the inspiration and keystone picture in the museum’s latest exhibition, Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917.

As AIC Director James Cuno and Curator Stephanie D’Alessandro explain in their wonderful video overview, the exhibit covers a turning point in the artist’s career both in his approach to art and his methods of construction. Layering, scratching, and starkly contrasting colors mark the highly-abstracted works Matisse created during this four-year period. In browsing the gallery of selected works, one also feels a sense of somberness and lurking danger that may have reflected the long shadow of war under which these works were conceived.

The exhibit runs through June 20, during which time the museum has lined up several enticing events, including lectures, a musical performance, and even a “Matisse-inspired Cooking Class”. (Our tastebuds are piqued!) And, of course, be sure to check out the YUP-distributed exhibition catalogue, featuring in-depth studies of individual works including “Bathers by a River,” exquisite illustrations, and much more.