The Meeting 1900

Maurice Denis made "The Meeting", using oil on canvas. Notice how the brushstrokes are quite visible, almost nonchalant. Denis wasn’t trying to fool you into thinking this was a photograph, or even something particularly polished. The very visible materiality of the paint, and the way it is applied, speaks to a certain honesty. Denis was part of a group of artists known as Les Nabis, and their approach reflected a turn towards simplification and abstraction. They were interested in the inherent qualities of the paint itself, its viscosity and color, using these qualities to express the emotions and ideas behind their work. In "The Meeting," the visible brushwork and earthy tones create a sense of quiet intimacy. It's a technique that invites us to appreciate the painting as an object, made through direct physical engagement. By emphasizing the process, Denis challenges traditional notions of art as mere representation, instead highlighting its potential for emotional and intellectual depth.