5 Guises of Maurice Denis

1. Denis and Symbolism

Symbolism was an art movement developed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, characterized by the use of metaphorical images and complex symbolics. Symbolists depicted intangible ideas on their canvas, such as life, soul, death, spirit, and feelings. Maurice Denis, along with other artists such as Odilon Redon and Gustave Moreau, is considered a prominent representative of Symbolism. In his work, Denis often depicted elegant female figures and calm landscapes which conveyed a sense of harmony.

In his painting Les Muses, Denis presents three muses seated under large trees. The muses are dressed in different attire, with the first muse wearing a casual dress, the second muse wearing an evening gown, and the third muse possibly wearing mourning attire. Although the muses sit together in a circle, they appear to be detached and immersed in their own thoughts. In the background, other female figures dressed in long gowns can be seen walking among the trees. The pattern of the muses’ clothing harmonizes with the ground with the autumn leaves, which appears to be merely an ornamental element.

When discussing the painting’s visual language, it is worth noting that Denis employs a simplified approach to perspective, similar to that used by the masters of the Early Renaissance. The perceived depth of the image is achieved through the reduction of the size of the figures rather than through the use of an aerial perspective.

Additionally, Denis painted the figures of the muses and the landscape in a simplified manner, with each figure enclosed within its own distinct contour and with lesser emphasis on shadow modeling. This approach may be reminiscent of the techniques employed by Cloisonnism, a style associated with Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin, whose work also incorporates elements of Symbolism.

2. Denis and Nabi

Denis studied at the Julian Academy, where he met Paul Sérusier and Pierre Bonnard. Together with them and Édouard Vuillard, young artists formed the Nabis group, which translates to “prophets” in Hebrew. The Nabis drew inspiration from Post-Impressionist painters, particularly Paul Gauguin, and Japanese art. They were also influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite and Renaissance masters. Maurice Denis, who was not only an artist but also a theoretician, wrote the manifesto for the Nabis group.

The Nabis sought to convey the spiritual essence of art. Simultaneously, their works are highly decorative. Denis was referred to as the “Nabi of beautiful icons,” as he often painted religious subjects.

The subject of the Annunciation has been portrayed numerous times in painting, beginning with early Renaissance artists and continuing through the Dutch masters and the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Denis’ painting shows nothing superfluous: the Virgin Mary in a humble room and the Angel bringing good news.

The artwork is painted in vibrant colors, yet with a sense of tranquility and harmony. The figures of Mary and the Angel are reminiscent of sculptures, yet they lack heaviness. Everything is well-placed and balanced—notice the light on the floor behind Mary, which resembles the train of her white garment!

3. Denis and Interior Decoration

Maurice Denis was acquainted with the Russian art collector Ivan Morozov for whom he executed a series of wall paintings for the residence in Moscow. Morozov desired to have his music room decorated with mythological themes, and Denis suggested the story of Eros and Psyche. The love affair between the god of love and a beautiful girl perfectly suited the idyllic character of the room.

Denis produced a series of seven scenes based on the plot by Apuleius. He completed five large-scale works measuring ca. 400 x 250 cm (150 1/2 x 98 1/2 in.) within a relatively short timeframe of approximately one year, assisted by apprentices. A bit later he created two more panels on his own. Additionally, Denis also offered to create sculptures, which were eventually made by his friend, the sculptor Aristide Maillol.

Denis captured the following sequences in his artwork: the flying Eros, astonished by Psyche’s beauty; Zephyr transporting Psyche to the island of Delight; Psyche learning that her secret husband is Eros; Psyche opening the box that she received from Venus and falling asleep; and a happy conclusion: Psyche receiving immortality from the gods and all celebrating her marriage to Eros. Two panels, created exclusively by Denis, depict the family leaving Psyche on a mountain and Eros taking Psyche to heaven.

4. Denis and Mythology

Maurice Denis, being a Symbolist, did not paint ordinary everyday scenes. He was fascinated by mythology, but he incorporated mythological motifs into the contemporary setting as if updating the myths. The painting Polyphemus is an example of this.

Polyphemus was a one-eyed giant in love with the beautiful nymph Galatea. However, despite the title and presumably the main position in the picture, Denis depicted Polyphemus and Galatea in the background.

To fully appreciate this scene, one needs to examine the canvas closely. In the foreground, a family is frolicking on the beach. Denis depicted his wife, Martha Merrier, here (her image also appears in other works by the artist). In the lower right corner, a sleeping nymph is depicted. This dreamy state raises the question—are Polyphemus and Galatea also dreaming in the background of the painting?

5. Denis and Stained Glass Windows

Maurice Denis was a religious artist who painted not only paintings on biblical themes but also decorated churches with murals and stained glass windows. He created an outstanding stained glass window devoted to the life of Christ for the Chapel of the Priory, Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The window consists of three rows of compositions.

In the bottom row, we see a Nativity scene, which is perceived as the mystical dedication of Christ and the assumption of his sacrificial mission. Here, the gentle tones and smooth lines of the Nativity are replaced by more intense rhythms and colors. In the middle row, Communion takes place, which conveys the concept of Christ’s sacrifice. At the top, there is the Crucifixion, the culmination of the story, where the drama reaches its peak.

Through this work, Denis demonstrates a magnificent talent for interior decoration, bringing all artistic elements into harmony and accurately conveying the mood and message of the biblical scenes.