Book excerpt: Considered one of the most important religious structures of the twentieth century, the Chapel of the Rosary in Venice was regarded by Matisse himself as his greatest masterpiece. He dedicated four years to the creation of this convent chapel on the French Riviera, and the result is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive ensemble pieces of twentieth-century art. Every element of the chapel bears the artist's touch, from the vivid Mediterranean hues of the stained glass windows to the starkly powerful murals; even the vestments and altar were designed by Matisse. This beautifully illustrated volume captures the chapel in exquisite detail, allowing an unparalleled view of this iconic sacred space. With stunning new photography that captures the dramatic effects of the changing light in the building throughout the day, this book is the first to present the experience of being within the chapel exactly as Matisse himself envisaged it. Marie-Therese Pulvenis de Seligny's authoritative and insightful text explores the extraordinary story of the chapel's creation, and the challenges faced by the 77-year-old artist in realising his incredible vision. AUTHOR: Marie-Therese Pulvenis de Seligny has been curator of the Musee Matisse since 1997. She has organised numerous exhibitions and writes extensively on the artist. 200 colour