... As [Matisse's] style evolves, so too does Marguerite, and it’s a treat for the viewer to witness his subject’s growth.

— The Washington Post, January 3, 2014

More than 50 prints, drawings, sculptures, and paintings of Matisse's daughter Marguerite offer a rare look at the artist's personal life and work. Born in 1894 when the artist was struggling to achieve recognition for his art, Marguerite was a frequent model for her father, as well as a dedicated assistant and archivist.

Many portraits of Marguerite were breakthrough moments for Matisse, revealing an advance in his artistic vision. Over the course of 45 years, Matisse portrayed Marguerite in many ways as his art changed to reveal new ways of seeing, but always with a level of intimacy that's not seen elsewhere in his work.

The exhibition is drawn from the BMA's great Matisse collection with additional objects borrowed from museums and private collections, many not previously shown. Archival materials show a close rapport between Marguerite and Baltimore collectors Claribel and Etta Cone.