Henri Matisse
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Henri's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way Henri Matisse comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Henri Matisse - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Henri Matisse" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Henri a little better. This page describes the disguise Matisse wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Ferociously proud and somewhat vain, Henri Matisse likes to be impressive and to be considered special and unique. He is not timid, meek, or self-effacing, and is rarely content with staying in the background or in a subordinate position. He is a natural leader, and does not take orders from others very well. Matisse must have something of his own, something creative - be it a business, a project, a home or whatever - that he can develop and manage according to his own will and vision. Whatever Henri does, he does it in a unique, dramatic, individual way. He likes to put his own personal stamp on it.

Henri Matisse also has a very strong sense of dignity, self-respect, and personal honor and is deeply offended if someone treats him in a humiliating or dishonorable way. Matisse will rarely confront the offender - he is too proud to do so - but he will lose his affection and respect for them. Henri dislikes pettiness and hates to be snubbed or ignored.

Matisse admires others who are strong individuals like himself. When Henri Matisse befriends someone, Matisse is tremendously loyal, sincere, and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to make that person happy. He is very giving and generous, but his gifts are never anonymous - Henri expects recognition and appreciation for them. He also expects the intense loyalty that he offers to his dear ones to be reciprocated. However, Henri Matisse often has trouble developing relationships with people who are as strong as himself, for he does not really cooperate or share the leading role very easily. If he is not in the leading role, he aspires to be and will compete with the person who is.

Henri Matisse has great heart and courage, and people often look to him for strength, encouragement, and affirmation. Henri always puts his best face forward and rarely allows others to see him hurting, disheartened, or vulnerable. Henri Matisse also has a very strong need for love, admiration, appreciation, and praise, although he does not like others to realize just how important it is to him.

His outlook on life tends to be very personal and rather self-centered. His own self-expression, self-actualization and self-realization interest Henri more than anything else. Henri Matisse feels that if he does his best where he is, the rest of the world will take care of itself.

His desire to love and to be loved is very much apparent, very much on the surface, and Henri Matisse is known for his personal charm and affectionate nature. He may also seem overly dependent on others' approval and appreciation of him.

Henri Matisse appears sympathetic and approachable. Because he uses his feelings and intuition in assessing people, others sense that Matisse understands their feelings or their personal situations. At the same time Henri Matisse really wants people to know how he feels, and their care and support are very important to him.

To others, Henri Matisse appears capable, mature, and down to earth. Even when he was young, there was a certain practicality and responsible air about Henri that inspired people to rely on him. Matisse keeps his cool in most situations.

Henri often comes across to others more abruptly or even antagonistically than is necessary to achieve his aims. And naturally if people perceive that he is trying to compete with them or run them over, some of them will put up a lot of resistance to Henri Matisse and his objectives. Matisse might be more successful if he tones himself down a bit and shows some consideration, without completely sacrificing his own needs and wants.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Leo Rising

Venus Opposition Asc.

Moon Trine Asc.

Saturn Trine Asc.

Mars Quincunx Asc.