Maurice Denis (1870 - 1943) - photo 1

Maurice Denis

Maurice Denis, a French painter and writer, was an influential figure in the transition from impressionism to modern art. Born on November 25, 1870, in Granville, France, Denis's artistic journey began at the Académie Julian in Paris. Here, he met future collaborators like Paul Sérusier and Pierre Bonnard, with whom he later formed the Nabis group, a collective deriving its name from the Hebrew word "Nabi," meaning "Prophet"​.

Denis's style evolved from neoimpressionism, influenced by artists like Seurat, to a more decorative and colorful approach under the influence of Gauguin. This shift is evident in works like "Taches du soleil sur la terrace" (1890). He famously stated, "Art is no longer a visual sensation... it is a creation of our spirit," highlighting his belief in art as an idealistic expression, transcending mere imitation of nature​​​​.

Denis was also impacted by Japanese art, which influenced his compositions and styles, contributing to his unique and recognizable approach​​. His philosophy on art, encapsulated in his 1890 essay published in "Art et Critique," emphasized the importance of color and form in creating emotional depth, a notion that laid the groundwork for modernism. He argued that a painting's essence lies in its colors and composition, rather than its subject matter​​.

Throughout his career, Denis's work evolved towards a more classical approach. His involvement with the Ateliers d'Art Sacré, founded in 1919, demonstrated his interest in religious art and decoration. His notable works include "The Legend of Saint Hubert" (1897) and "The History of Music" for the Théâtre des Champs Elysées (1912-1913)​​.

Tragically, Maurice Denis's life ended on November 13, 1943, when he was struck by a truck during the German occupation of Paris. However, his legacy endures through his contributions to modern art and symbolism, his influence on fellow artists, and his works displayed in various museums and galleries​​.

For collectors and art experts, Denis's work offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of modern art. His blend of symbolism, color, and form marks a significant shift in art history. To stay updated on new sales and auction events related to Maurice Denis's work, sign up for our newsletter. This subscription will keep you informed about the latest developments in the world of this remarkable artist.

Date and place of birt:25 november 1870, Granville, France
Date and place of death:13 november 1943, Paris, France
Nationality:France
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Historian, Illustrator, Painter, Researcher
Art school / group:Ateliers d'Art Sacré, Les Nabis
Genre:Genre art, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Modern art, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism

Creators France

Miodrag Djuric (1933 - 2010)
Miodrag Djuric
1933 - 2010
Henri de Gouvion Saint-Cyr (1855 - 1888)
Henri de Gouvion Saint-Cyr
1855 - 1888
Árpád Szenes (1897 - 1985)
Árpád Szenes
1897 - 1985
Charles Lucien Léandre (1862 - 1934)
Charles Lucien Léandre
1862 - 1934
Thomas Francis Dicksee (1819 - 1895)
Thomas Francis Dicksee
1819 - 1895
Maximilien Luce (1858 - 1941)
Maximilien Luce
1858 - 1941
Pedro Flores Garcia (1897 - 1967)
Pedro Flores Garcia
1897 - 1967
Enguerrand de Monstrelet (1390 - 1453)
Enguerrand de Monstrelet
1390 - 1453
Armando Julio Reverón (1889 - 1954)
Armando Julio Reverón
1889 - 1954
Isaac Pailes (1895 - 1978)
Isaac Pailes
1895 - 1978
Anton Pevzner (1884 - 1962)
Anton Pevzner
1884 - 1962
Émilie du Châtelet (1706 - 1749)
Émilie du Châtelet
1706 - 1749
Étienne Colaud (Collault) ()
Étienne Colaud (Collault)
Louis Devedeux (1820 - 1874)
Louis Devedeux
1820 - 1874
 Maître François (XV century - XV century)
Maître François
XV century - XV century
James Brown (1951 - 2020)
James Brown
1951 - 2020

Creators Modern art

Milo Reice (1952)
Milo Reice
1952
Henri Edmond Cross (1856 - 1910)
Henri Edmond Cross
1856 - 1910
Hans Rickers (1899 - 1979)
Hans Rickers
1899 - 1979
Franz von Lenbach (1836 - 1904)
Franz von Lenbach
1836 - 1904
Paul Kayser (1869 - 1942)
Paul Kayser
1869 - 1942
Miklós Borsos (1906 - 1990)
Miklós Borsos
1906 - 1990
Emil Rudolf Weiss (1875 - 1942)
Emil Rudolf Weiss
1875 - 1942
Eugenio Gerli (1923 - 2013)
Eugenio Gerli
1923 - 2013
Sally Michel Avery (1902 - 2003)
Sally Michel Avery
1902 - 2003
Léon Spilliaert (1881 - 1946)
Léon Spilliaert
1881 - 1946
Josef Albers (1888 - 1976)
Josef Albers
1888 - 1976
Joan Mitchell (1926 - 1992)
Joan Mitchell
1926 - 1992
Walter Mafli (1915 - 2017)
Walter Mafli
1915 - 2017
Christian Arnold (1889 - 1960)
Christian Arnold
1889 - 1960
Austin Osman Spare (1886 - 1956)
Austin Osman Spare
1886 - 1956
Wilhelm Gallhof (1878 - 1918)
Wilhelm Gallhof
1878 - 1918
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