Acanthus. Henri Matisse (1911-13).

The show is closing soon. If you’re going to be around New York City, you should check it out before it does. If the exhibit has an overarching theme, it’s a comparison between the slight variations in perspective, style, and palette that distinguish Matisse’s studies of particular scenes. For example, two beach scenes painted at Saint-Tropez — one divisionist, one not. Or two landscapes depicting the same spot in Morocco, each shown in different light. If you go, just don’t try to snap any pictures or walk back through the exhibit after reaching the end. The Met’s art police will be sure to lay down the law. . . .