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Dorothea Margaret Tanning was an American surrealist painter, printmaker, sculptor, writer and poet.
In 1935 Dorothea came to New York and worked as an advertising artist until she was inspired by the paintings of the famous Surrealists at an exhibition. She began to paint and exhibit and made numerous acquaintances among contemporary artists. In 1946 she married the artist Max Ernst, and this marriage lasted 30 years. They lived in Paris for a long time, and after his death in 1976, she returned to New York.
As an artist, Dorothea Tanning was self-taught, and her style was constantly changing. At first close to surrealism, by the late 1960s her paintings had become almost entirely abstract. Among her artistic accomplishments are paintings, prints, sculpture, stage design, costume and set designs for ballets, and her work has been exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Modern, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In the late 1980s, Tanning began writing poetry, and her work has subsequently been published in various publications. Her first collection of poems, A Table of Content, was published in 2004. The multifaceted and versatile artist died in New York City at the age of 101.
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.
