Artwork

And It is the Caress of their Hands

And It is the Caress of their Hands, by Maurice Denis, 1898
And It is the Caress of their Hands, by Maurice Denis, 1898

And It is the Caress of their Hands is a print by the Impressionist artist Maurice Denis. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

And It is the Caress of their Hands is a 1898 print by Maurice Denis, a French artist associated with the Symbolist movement and Les Nabis.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two figures on a bench, their bodies soft and indistinct. One figure holds a fan or paper, while the other rests their arm on the backrest, conveying a sense of intimacy.

Technique & Style

The work features loose, sketch-like brushstrokes and a dreamy, hazy quality, with a palette of pale whites, greens, and pinks. This style emphasizes mood over detail, creating a soft, blurred effect.

History & Provenance

The print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

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.