The Musée Matisse Nice and the Baltimore Museum of Art are co-organizing an exhibition dedicated to the French painter’s Stations of the Cross.
Since its consecration in 1951, art experts have been pouring over every detail of the Chapelle du Rosaire (Chapel of the Rosary) in Vence. Or so they thought. But until recently, Chemin de Croix (the Stations of the Cross) has escaped rigorous scholarly studies. Now the masterpiece hiding in plain sight becomes the focus of a new exhibition through January 19, 2026, presented by Musee Matisse in Nice in collaboration with the renowned Baltimore Museum of Art. The show will move on to Baltimore, Maryland in March 2026.
In order to thoroughly appreciate the magnitude of this exhibition, the story of the chapel begs to be retold. In 1943, Henri Matisse relocated from Nice to Vence, France, seeking refuge from World War II bombardments. During this time, he rekindled a friendship with a former model who was transitioning to a Dominican nun named Sister Jacques-Marie. This reunion led to a significant four-year commission for Matisse to design the Chapelle du Rosaire, his sole large-scale architectural endeavor, which is now regarded as a pinnacle of his later work.
Photo © François Fernandez
Matisse was responsible for every aspect of the project, including the architecture, interior furnishings, the priest’s garments, and three prominent black-and-white ceramic murals depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.
The lack of scientific scrutiny of this set of imposing ceramic panels is both understandable and surprising. Understandable, because Matisse conceived “his” chapel as a whole even though other details, such as the famed stained-glass windows, were studied extensively. But all the more surprising is the fact that stylistically, Stations of the Cross contrasts radically with the chapel’s two other murals – and in fact, with almost all of Matisse’s pictorial work. The artist seems to have drawn on more sketches and preparatory studies for this last major composition than for any other in his career. This presentation aims to deepen the understanding of Matisse’s artistic process and contextualize his designs through sketches, preparatory drawings, and photographs.
Crayon, crayons de couleurs, plume et encre sur papier
17,3 × 24,5 cm
Collection particulière
Décor émaillé noir au pinceau sur carreaux de faïence blanche
© Photo : DR
© Hélène Adant/coll. centre de documentation du Musée Matisse Nice, droits réservés
The exhibition of 84 drawings is made up of sets of artwork provided by the Musée Matisse Nice, the Chapel’s own collection, and private collections. These are supplemented by archival material documenting the evolution of the project, from the initial ideas to the final realization. The show represents the first comprehensive exploration of the mural, featuring previously unseen drawings.
In a second stage, this exhibition will be presented in the United States at the Baltimore Museum of Art from March 29 to June 28, 2026.
In conjunction with the current exhibition, an additional showcase honouring Saint Dominic will take place at the Rosary Chapel until July 4, 2026. The Dominican sisters of Vence graciously provided their collection of preparatory drawings for the Way of the Cross, emphasizing the invaluable legacy of Henri Matisse. In appreciation of this loan, the Matisse Museum in Nice is sharing a selection of preparatory drawings related to the Saint Dominic ceramic for display at the chapel.
This unique collaboration presents a rare opportunity to view these studies together, highlighting another significant ceramic work in the chapel. The monumental ceramics within the chapel captivate visitors with their elegant simplicity, featuring black, graffiti-style lines on white-glazed terracotta tiles that interact harmoniously with the stained-glass windows.
Saint Dominic, depicted in a striking vertical panel in the sanctuary, reflects Matisse’s creative journey, influenced in part by Father Couturier and his aspiration to “draw on skyscrapers” upon arriving in New York. The series of drawings displayed in the chapel offers insight into Matisse’s artistic process, showcasing various studies focused on elements like the head, hood, garment folds, hand, and book.
Tucked away in a small street of a small town, the Rosary Chapel looks as unassuming as can be. This is not a religious building that announces the treasures it holds with great fanfare. Its real glory only unfolds when you cross the doorstep and the sunlight bathes the interior in sparkling light. But as is so often the case, modest outsides often hide precious secrets, and these twin exhibitions are proof. And that’s what Matisse, always humble, spiritual, and thinking of himself as directed by a higher power, intended all along.
“This is not work I chose but rather work for which I was chosen by fate when at the end of my road, one that I pursue through my research. The chapel provided me with an opportunity to set it down by combining its various features.”
– Henri Matisse
Visitor Information
La Chapelle du Rosaire
466 Av. Henri Matisse
06140 Vence
Tel: +33 (0)7 43 40 06 22
All photos and images courtesy Ville de Nice and Musée Matisse de Nice; kead image © Ville de Nice / David NOUY; all other photos as credited
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