The Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard (1524–1585) was one of Matisse’s favorite authors. Inspired by Ronsard’s love sonnets, a selection of which appears in this book, Matisse created elegant illustrations, all printed in a sanguine tone, featuring sensual depictions of women, intimate portraits, and floral and other natural motifs. Matisse and publisher Albert Skira worked on this book throughout the years of World War II, and the artist’s dynamic lithographs were printed in Paris at the renowned lithography workshop of Mourlot Frères.