Artwork

Allegory

Allegory, by Maurice Denis, 1899
Allegory, by Maurice Denis, 1899

Allegory is a print by the Impressionist artist Maurice Denis. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Allegory is a print by Maurice Denis, a member of the Nabis group, created as part of a series exploring his personal life.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene woman in a long dress on a bench, with a man in a dark suit standing behind her, blending into the shadows. The image is accompanied by a title drawn from Denis's journal, inviting the viewer to ponder its significance.

Technique & Style

The print features soft, evocative imagery, with figures subtly integrated into the surroundings, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Context

The series to which this print belongs reflects Denis's devotion to his wife, Marthe, and is characterized by personal, introspective scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Maurice Denis

Artist

Maurice Denis

Maurice Denis (French: ; 25 November 1870 – 13 November 1943) was a French painter, decorative artist, and writer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.