Born in Annapolis, Maryland, and educated at the Maryland Institute College of Art, artist Louis Fratino got to know well the great strengths and depths of the BMA’s Matisse collection over many years of visits. He was influenced by the French artist, among others, and chose to focus his own work on domestic spaces and intimate portraits.

Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again juxtaposes figure studies, interiors, still-lifes, and self-portraits by both artists. Fratino’s study of the male figure as a central subject complements Matisse’s portrayals of female models, highlighting the individuality of each artist’s point of view.

Drawn from the BMA’s Cone Collection, loaned works, and new paintings by Fratino, this exhibition sheds light on the continuing influence of one of the most important artists of the 20th century for artists working today.