Matisse Painted Her. History Forgot Her. Now Olga Meerson Is Stepping Back Into Frame
An overdue exhibition on Olga Meerson, a talented student of Henri Matisse, reveals new insights into her life and artistic legacy. The show at Schlossmuseum Murnau in Germany provides an unprecedented view of her work and story.
Background on Olga Meerson and Henri Matisse
Artists often carry reputations for romantic entanglements, and Henri Matisse's case is complex. Hilary Spurling’s 2005 biography challenged the myth that Matisse had affairs with his models. In contrast, rumors surrounded Olga Meerson, a prominent pupil at the short-lived Académie Matisse, who was said to have had a relationship with him.
Olga Meerson “produced the only known portrait of Matisse at ease, skillfully capturing his aura.”
Renewed Interest and Exhibition
For many years, Spurling's biography remained the main source of knowledge about Meerson. Recently, German historian Robert Jutte published the first full biography of Meerson, which led to her first museum exhibition since her death in 1930 at age 48.
- The exhibition titled “The Painter Olga Meerson” is held at Schlossmuseum Murnau, Germany.
- It runs for seven months and concludes on November 9, 2025.
Significance of the Exhibition
This show shines a spotlight on a neglected artist, restoring her place in art history and celebrating her unique contribution as both a painter and a muse.
“Olga Meerson, Portrait of Henri Matisse (1911). Photo: Nikolaus Steglich, Starnberg. Courtesy of Schlossmuseum Murnau.”
Author’s summary: Olga Meerson's renewed recognition through biography and exhibition restores her as a vital figure in early 20th-century art, capturing the true essence of her mentor Matisse and her own overlooked legacy.