Maurice Denis

French, 1870 - 1943

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This is a painting of an interior scene with a standing figure and a kneeling winged figure. The image depicts a tall figure in a long robe standing with clasped hands in a prayer-like gesture, facing a winged figure that appears to be kneeling and pressing its hands against a window or door. The scene is set inside a room with visible windows; there is faint light streaming in, creating a soft ambiance. The loose, expressive lines and monochromatic style lend a mystical and contemplative feel to the image.
Maurice Denis, The Annunciation, 1943, lithograph in pink and green, Rosenwald Collection, 1950.16.50

The Annunciation

Maurice Denis · 1943 · lithograph in pink and green ·  Accession ID  1950.16.50

The image depicts four figures in varying postures and positions, set against a background with floral patterns. The standing figure has arms raised, with flowers around the head and branches extending from their arms. The three seated figures have stylized hair and flower embellishments, surrounded by foliage. They wear flowing garments and the overall composition is framed within a border announcing a French modern decorative art exposition.
Maurice Denis, Exposition de Turin 1911, 1911, photomechanical print in blue, brown, and pink on wove paper, Gift of Nico and Bowie Cord, 2019.179.3

Exposition de Turin 1911

Maurice Denis · 1911 · photomechanical print in blue, brown, and pink on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2019.179.3

The image shows a group of people, most of whom are visible from the waist up, with particular focus on a central figure holding a baby. The central person is seated and holds a baby in their arms. Another person, standing, is looking at the baby; this individual has long hair. Two children are visible, one partially seen to the left and facing forward, and the other rests their chin on their arms to the right. The figures have delicate facial features and wear flowing garments. The background features stylized illustrations of flowers, cliffs, and a body of water. Above the group, there is text announcing the birth of a child, "Jean-Dominique."
Maurice Denis, Birth Announcement for Jean-Dominique Denis, 1909, color relief printed in green, dark green, and purple on card, Gift of Nico and Bowie Cord, 2019.179.2

Birth Announcement for Jean-Dominique Denis

Maurice Denis · 1909 · color relief printed in green, dark green, and purple on card ·  Accession ID  2019.179.2

The image shows a woman seated on a cloth with an elegant posture, partially turned away from the viewer. She is adjusting her hair with one hand, which is adorned with a crown of flowers. Her hair is styled in an updo, and she has soft, subtle facial features that are lightly sketched. The background features tall, slender trees with a warm pinkish hue, and the ground is tinged with hues of soft yellow and green.
Maurice Denis, Nymph Crowned with Daisies (Nymphe couronnée de paquerettes), 1901, color lithograph on china paper, Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection, 2001.136.51

Nymph Crowned with Daisies (Nymphe couronnée de paquerettes)

Maurice Denis · 1901 · color lithograph on china paper ·  Accession ID  2001.136.51

The image depicts the upper torso and head of a person. The person is holding an object or another person close to their face. They are in a three-quarter profile, partially turned towards the right. Their facial features are indistinct, blending with the texture of the image, with hair styled in a simple, close-fitting manner. The clothing is softly flowing around the shoulders with no visible jewelry or objects in their hands. The background shows a calm, muted landscape with water and distant land outlines. Two sailboats can be faintly seen in the background, creating a serene maritime atmosphere. The image is overlaid with a fine, lace-like pattern for a textured effect.
Maurice Denis, Das Mappenwerk der Insel, 1900, lithograph, Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection, 2005.157.7.6

Das Mappenwerk der Insel

Maurice Denis · 1900 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2005.157.7.6

The image shows swirling, flowing lines and shapes, giving it an abstract quality. The lines suggest human figures engaged in conversation around a table. A vase with stylized flowers is also present. The color palette includes soft shades of orange, purple, and red.
Maurice Denis, Design for a Fan: the Engagement Party of Yvonne Lerolle (recto), 1898, graphite and pastel with watercolor on wove paper, Helen Porter and James T. Dyke Fund, 2010.33.1.a

Design for a Fan: the Engagement Party of Yvonne Lerolle (recto)

Maurice Denis · 1898 · graphite and pastel with watercolor on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2010.33.1.a

This is a drawing of a promotional poster for a theater production. The image features an abstract use of greenish ink or paint against a light beige background, with flowing forms and shapes. On the left-hand side, there is text running vertically—"La Critique." The main text on the right side promotes "Au-delà des forces humaines," a play by Bjornstjerne Bjornson, along with a list of characters and actors, indicating it is a translated work. Below this, there is another listing for a play titled "La Motte de Terre" with character names and their respective actors. The artwork gives an impression of a cloudy or misty environment. The style of the artwork and text suggest a vintage poster design.
Maurice Denis, Au-delà des forces humaines; La Motte de terre, 1897, lithograph in green on wove paper, Gift of The Atlas Foundation, 1995.76.21

Au-delà des forces humaines; La Motte de terre

Maurice Denis · 1897 · lithograph in green on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.76.21

This is a drawing of a birth announcement card. The card features soft, muted tones and a minimalistic style. On the right side, there is delicate text declaring the birth of a girl named Marthe. The text is arranged in an elegant typeface, with a larger emphasis on the name. The background has a pale peach color with subtle textures. On the left side, there is a light illustration that is almost faded into the background, suggesting an abstract form or possibly a face. The date "le 29 Mars 1896" is inscribed at the bottom left corner in soft letters.
Maurice Denis, Birth Announcement for Marthe Mellerio, 1896, lithograph printed in gray and brown on wove paper [proof, missing blue stone], Gift of Nico and Bowie Cord, 2019.179.1

Birth Announcement for Marthe Mellerio

Maurice Denis · 1896 · lithograph printed in gray and brown on wove paper [proof, missing blue stone] ·  Accession ID  2019.179.1

The image shows two small abstract compositions on a textured canvas. The upper composition includes curved and angular lines forming shapes resembling human figures and an eye. The lower composition consists of wavy lines that could be seen as draped fabric or cascading leaves. Both sections are in black and white, offering a stark contrast.
Maurice Denis, Deux essais de bois gravé pour Sagesse, 1895, woodcut in black on japan paper, Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection, gift in memory of Virginia H. Jackson, 1996.151.161

Deux essais de bois gravé pour Sagesse

Maurice Denis · 1895 · woodcut in black on japan paper ·  Accession ID  1996.151.161

The image contains two small black and white square prints, each featuring intricate abstract lines and shapes. In the upper print, curved and straight lines create a scene reminiscent of a mother cradling her child within a small, enclosed space, framed by a window. The lower print's abstract composition suggests silhouettes of figures merging with angular forms, with a pattern resembling a striped background and shapes that could be interpreted as musical instruments or dancers.
Maurice Denis, Deux essais de bois gravé, 1895, woodcut in black on japan paper, Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection, gift in memory of Virginia H. Jackson, 1996.151.181

Deux essais de bois gravé

Maurice Denis · 1895 · woodcut in black on japan paper ·  Accession ID  1996.151.181