The foreword states: 'This double number of Verve is entirely dedicated to the last works of Matisse - 1950-1954. Reproduced in colour lithography, these works have been realised by the artist with papers coloured in gouache, cut with scissors and pasted. They are shown here with drawings executed at the same time or during the preceding period. Matisse composed the cover specially for this volume. These first lithographic plates were printed during the year 1954 under his direction. The printing of the lithographs in colour by Mourlot Frères and that of the photogravure reproductions and the typography by the master printers Draeger Frères, was completed in Paris on the 28th day of July 1958.'