dubois & cie
Charles-Frederic Dubois was a Belgian naturalist, artist and author of books on birds and butterflies.
Based on the results of his study of birds and scales of Belgium, Academician Dubois wrote Planches colorées des oiseaux de l'Europe ("Colored Plates of Birds of Europe") and Catalog systématique des Lépidoptères de la Belgique ("Systematic Catalog of Scales of Belgium"), which after his death was completed by his son Alphonse Joseph Charles Dubois (1839-1921).
Alphonse Dubois, full name Alphonse Joseph Charles Dubois, was a Belgian naturalist and physician.
Alphonse Dubois had a doctorate in medicine and in 1869 became curator of vertebrate animals at the Royal Museum of Natural History in Brussels. He worked with his father, the academician Charles-Frédéric Dubois (1804-1867), on the publication Les Oiseaux de l'Europe et leurs œufs (The Birds of Europe and their Eggs), completing it after his father's death. The book consisted of two volumes, the second of which consisted of illustrations by Dubois Sr.
Jacques Dubois was a master cabinetmaker of the 18th century.
He was the king's cabinetmaker and also worked for Princess Louise Elisabeth, the Duchess of Parma, the Duke of Orleans and the nobility of the time.
He was one of the masters of the Louis XV style, a specialist in varnished veneers, reproducing the effects of Far Eastern lacquers, with black or red backgrounds, decorated with Chinese and pagodas, of a very high quality.
He also executed the delicately chiselled bronzes applied to his furniture.
Girolamo Fabrici d'Acquapendente, also known as Girolamo Fabrizio or Hieronymus Fabricius, was an Italian anatomist and surgeon and the founder of embryology. The Latinised form of his name, under which his works can be found, is Hieronymus Fabricius (ab Aquapendente).
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.
Giulio Paolini is an Italian artist associated with both Arte Povera and Conceptual Art.
