Henri Matisse - The Red Madras

She has settled into her seat with both hands folded over the top of a yellow cane. Her head is tilted and there's a small half-smile on her lips, as though she has just heard something funny and isn't telling.

The red madras headscarf with its golden squiggles catches the eye first. Then comes the deep blue dress, scattered with russet leaves and trimmed in spotted white. It all sits against a cool blue wall. Henri Matisse lets the colour do the talking.