Stained-glass windows designed by Matisse line the walls of two buildings in the south of France: the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, and the nursery school in his hometown of Le Cateau-Cambrésis. He was fully engaged in these architectural achievements, but they stand in the shadow of acclaim for his paintings. Matisse's architectural ideas and the evolution of his design technique are the focus of this beautifully produced book (10x13"), which offers a close look at his paintings and cutouts and how they connect with his architectural projects. First-hand accounts from participants in the two projects offer detailed insight into the artist's process and approach. Some 400 images of paintings, photos, and the two buildings support the text. Art historian René Percheron nurtured the idea for this book over three decades having become excited by the chapel in the 1970s while writing an article about the town; he collaborated with a cousin, Christian Brouder, a scientist. The book was probably published in French (the title page indicates a translator), but publication details are not cited. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)