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
Maurice Denis (1870-1943) - Now at the auction

Now at the auction Maurice Denis

All lots
1 lot
put up for auction
See auction lots

Creators France

Antony Donaldson (1939)
Antony Donaldson
1939
Antoine Pesne (1683 - 1757)
Antoine Pesne
1683 - 1757
François Gall (1912 - 1987)
François Gall
1912 - 1987
Jean-François Perroy (1957)
Jean-François Perroy
1957
Henri-Joseph Harpignies (1819 - 1916)
Henri-Joseph Harpignies
1819 - 1916
Amédée Ozenfant (1886 - 1966)
Amédée Ozenfant
1886 - 1966
Jean-Louis Demarne (1752 - 1829)
Jean-Louis Demarne
1752 - 1829
Paul Renard (1941 - 1997)
Paul Renard
1941 - 1997
Charles Courtney Curran (1861 - 1942)
Charles Courtney Curran
1861 - 1942
Étienne Maurice Falconet (1716 - 1791)
Étienne Maurice Falconet
1716 - 1791
Claude Charles Antoine Berny d'Ouville (1775 - 1842)
Claude Charles Antoine Berny d'Ouville
1775 - 1842
Karl Bodmer (1809 - 1893)
Karl Bodmer
1809 - 1893
Bernar Venet (1941)
Bernar Venet
1941
Carle Vernet (1758 - 1836)
Carle Vernet
1758 - 1836
Franz Richard Unterberger (1838 - 1902)
Franz Richard Unterberger
1838 - 1902
Sébastien Leclerc (1637 - 1714)
Sébastien Leclerc
1637 - 1714

Creators Modern art

Lee Krasner (1908 - 1984)
Lee Krasner
1908 - 1984
Jean Théodore Dupas (1882 - 1964)
Jean Théodore Dupas
1882 - 1964
Leonhard Schmidt (1892 - 1978)
Leonhard Schmidt
1892 - 1978
Robert van Vorst Sewell (1860 - 1924)
Robert van Vorst Sewell
1860 - 1924
José Bernal (1925 - 2010)
José Bernal
1925 - 2010
Paul Baum (1859 - 1932)
Paul Baum
1859 - 1932
Henri Martin (1860 - 1943)
Henri Martin
1860 - 1943
Marcel Schwob (1867 - 1905)
Marcel Schwob
1867 - 1905
Eugeny Ignatyevich Konopatzky (1887 - 1962)
Eugeny Ignatyevich Konopatzky
1887 - 1962
Ernest Joseph Laurent (1859 - 1929)
Ernest Joseph Laurent
1859 - 1929
Vladimir Nikolaevich Domogatsky (1876 - 1939)
Vladimir Nikolaevich Domogatsky
1876 - 1939
Frantisek Kupka (1871 - 1957)
Frantisek Kupka
1871 - 1957
Rudolf Gönner (1872 - 1926)
Rudolf Gönner
1872 - 1926
John Rädecker (1885 - 1956)
John Rädecker
1885 - 1956
Arthur Rackham (1867 - 1939)
Arthur Rackham
1867 - 1939
Pietro Consagra (1920 - 2005)
Pietro Consagra
1920 - 2005
× Create a Search Subscription