Auction introduction: This April, Christie’s Paris is honoured to present an exceptional collection of works on paper from the Fondation Pierre et Tana Matisse. Established in 1995 by Tana Matisse, the Foundation has for decades preserved drawings and prints inherited by Pierre Matisse from his father, Henri Matisse. This esteemed ensemble spans the full breadth of Matisse’s preferred motifs: nudes, portraits, decorative explorations, drawings of dancers, floral compositions and Mediterranean scenes. A charitable event, the proceeds of the sale will support the Foundation’s initiatives, notably benefiting underfunded public schools and community centres in New York. Since its creation, the Foundation has supported a wide range of art classes within these institutions — from drawing and painting to sculpture, theatre and dance — enabling young people to develop their creativity and foster positive self-expression.