Maurice DENIS (1870-1943) - Lot 34

Maurice DENIS (1870-1943) Sister praying in front of a window Cardboard. Monogrammed lower left. 25 x 30 cm Provenance: - Late 1903, deposited with Galerie Druet under no. 364 -1904, sold by the artist to Jacques-Émile Blanche, through the gallery, 150 F (carnet des dons et ventes de l'artiste no. 411) - coll. Jacques-Émile Blanche, then by descent. Exhibition : -Exposition Maurice Denis, 1988-1924, Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, April 11-May 11, 1924, no. 133 The label on the back suggests that the painting was shown abroad, but we have not identified the exhibition. Maurice Denis was initially influenced by the art of Gauguin and the Nabis painters. From this time onwards, his art was imbued with spirituality, earning him the nickname "Nabi aux belles icônes" ("Nabi with beautiful icons"). A devout Catholic, he painted many religious subjects throughout his career. His deep faith and spirituality are evident in this charmingly simple composition, which focuses on the contemplation of a praying nun. Its small, intimate format suggests that it was probably intended for a family member, perhaps one of his daughters, or a close friend. Denis and Blanche met in 1892. Their relationship was stable and lasting, as witnessed by their abundant correspondence between 1901 and 1939, published in 1989. This work appears in the catalog raisonné of paintings by Maurice Denis under no. 894.0102 and the title "Communiante devant la fenêtre". It was executed in the 1890s, but we have not been able to determine a precise date (the painting is dated 1904 in Suzanne Barazzetti's book, but this is probably a confusion with the title). date of sale to Jacques-Émile Blanche. We would like to thank Marie Claire Rodriguez, researcher, Maurice Denis catalog raisonné, for kindly providing us with the above information.