Lecture by Father Philippe Verdin on Henri Matisse

Sister Jacques-Marie was a vivacious nun who gave Matisse back his lust for life and inspired his masterpiece, the Vence Chapel. From 1948 to 1951, the artist, then at the height of his fame, decided to devote himself to producing stained glass windows, frescoes, church vestments, church towers and holy water fonts. Those around him – Aragon, Picasso – were worried. How had this young Dominican nun been able to bewitch the old master? War, sickness, vocation...

An incredible series of dramatic or providential events enabled the deep bond between the artist and the young nun, who was full of spirit and joy: "She’s a kind of flirt – or really, I want to say fleurt (a play on fleur, meaning "flower"), since it was as though we were throwing flowers, rose petals at each other’s faces", he said. This is the wonderful story, never before told, of an improbable and beautiful friendship, the encounter that Matisse was waiting for to bring together the full genius of his creativity in a location filled with light and peace. 

Philippe Verdin, a Dominican monk, has published numerous books, essays, collections of interviews and biographies, including Maurice Druon, Pope Pius V and My Precious.