This essay discusses the artistic and educational experiences of the Scandinavian students of Henri Matisse 1908-11, with their career strategies as a guiding line through the material. But first, background is drawn on the availability of relevant art education in their home countries - choosing Matisse was as often a decision based on a lack. In Paris several Académies libres was visited by young Scandinavian artists. - After having returned to Scandinavia, some of Matisse's students successfully claimed Matisse as a part of their avant-garde identity, while for others, foremost the female students, this career strategy was in reality not on option.