Vence - Chapelle du Rosaire

On the northern edge of Vence, to the right of the road D2210, can be found the inconspicuous Chapelle du Rosaire, which belongs to a Dominican convent. It can be recognized by the severely linear representation of Mary, Jesus and St Dominic, by Henri Matisse, to be found over the doorway. The interior was also designed by Matisse (between 1947 and 1951) with bold graphics (black outlines on white ceramic tiles) based on Biblical themes. These include the birth of Christ, St Dominic and the Passion of Christ (Way of the Cross). Kept completely white, the simple room receives color only through its glass window. The economy of form and the drama thereby expressed are very impressive. The altar furniture and various chasubles were also designed by Matisse; they are kept in the Matisse Museum at Cimiez in Nice.