Phyllis Tuchman reviews Matisse in the Studio at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on view through July 9, 2017.

Tuchman writes: “Though he closely observed his subjects, [Matisse] generally rendered them with a twist depending on his interests of the moment. Has any other show in recent times made us so acutely aware of the importance of whatever accompanies painted portraits and scenes that feature friends, relatives, and models? … Besides offering a wonderful selection of beautifully installed, well-lit artworks, ‘Matisse in the Studio’ lets you feel as if you are getting inside the artist’s head.”