Maurice Denis
France 1870-1943
Maurice Denis (1870-1943) was a prominent French painter and writer, deeply rooted in the Neo-Impressionist and Symbolist movements of his time. Born in Granville, Normandy, he became an influential figure within the Nabis group, which significantly contributed to the evolution of modern art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Denis' artistic philosophy was encapsulated by his famous dictum: "Remember that a painting - before being a battle horse, a nude woman, or some anecdote - is essentially a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order." This statement underscored his belief that form and color should be prioritized over representational accuracy, thereby influencing the direction of Post-Impressionism.
Throughout his career, Denis produced a rich body of work characterized by serene, often spiritual themes, delicate compositions, and harmonious use of color. His subjects ranged from religious scenes to landscapes, intimate interiors, and portraits, always imbued with a sense of poetic narrative. He sought to evoke emotions and ideas through symbolic imagery, frequently incorporating motifs drawn from Christian iconography and mythology.
In addition to painting, Maurice Denis was a prolific designer, illustrating books, creating stained glass windows, tapestries, and murals for churches and private commissions. Notably, his decorative works display a seamless integration of fine art with applied arts, reflecting the broader Art Nouveau movement's interest in total art environments.
His style evolved throughout his lifetime, initially influenced by Paul Gauguin's Synthetism and later showing a return to more traditional techniques while maintaining his signature soft palette and sensitive line work. By the early 20th century, Denis had embraced a classical revival, aligning himself with the emerging trend of neo-classicism while still maintaining his personal, lyrical approach to painting.
Ultimately, Maurice Denis left an indelible mark on the trajectory of French art, serving as both a bridge between the Symbolist and Modernist eras and a mentor to younger artists who would carry forward his legacy into new forms of expression.
Collection of Works(Page 1)
Affiche van de solo-expositie Maurice Denis in Le Barc de Boutteville
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 1918 × 3066 px
Baigneuses à Perros-Guirec
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 4396 × 3432 px
Bouquet d'arbres en fleurs
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 2958 × 2701 px
Affiche voor het Théâtre de l'Œuvre met afbeelding van een fontein
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 4064 × 3062 px
Alo Devant La Maison De Garde
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 3134 × 4000 px
Baigneuses, plage du Pouldu
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 4627 × 3285 px
Ce fut un religieux mystère
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 3400 × 4736 px
Affiche voor het toneelstuk Au-delà des forces humaines
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 3984 × 3078 px
Blessing of a Yacht on the Belon River
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 10778 × 10084 px
Coucher De Soleil À Pittsburgh
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Maurice Denis
Resolution: 4260 × 3555 px