Le reflet dans la fontaine 1897

Maurice Denis made this lithograph, titled 'Le reflet dans la fontaine', in France in 1915. It depicts two women within a garden setting, one nude and seated by a fountain, the other clothed and watching. Denis was associated with the Nabis, a group of Post-Impressionist artists who saw art as a subjective and spiritual experience. In their works, they rejected academic naturalism and sought to create images that could evoke moods and sensations. The image creates meaning through its references to classical mythology and the idyllic past. The nude figure by the fountain recalls the nymphs and goddesses of ancient art, while the garden setting evokes a sense of harmony and tranquility. The soft, muted colors and loose brushstrokes contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere of the scene. To better understand the meaning of this print, one could research the role of mythology and symbolism in late 19th-century French art. The archives of the Nabis group would provide insights into their artistic practices and beliefs. Only with this knowledge can we understand the socio-cultural history of the piece.