Italy showcases Matisse's Oriental influences

The influence of Arab, African and Asian art on Henri Matisse is the theme of a major collection of the French artist's work that has gone on show in Rome.

The exhibition, Matisse Arabesque, runs until June 21 at the Scuderie del Quirinale - the former stables of Italy's presidential palace, which have been transformed into a museum that boasts spectacular views over the Eternal City.

Curator Ester Coen has set out to demonstrate how Matisse's enduring fascination with what he would have referred to as the Orient influenced the work of an artist who is considered one of the fathers of modern art.