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Les Nabis and the Decorative Arts


At the recently concluded exhibition, Les Nabis et Le Décor, decorative works by the Nabi group of artists including Maurice Denis, Bonnard, Vuillard, Sérusier, Ranson and Vallotton, were on display at the Musée Luxembourg in Paris. These works of art were intended for “contemporary interiors in reaction against the aesthetics of historical pastiche that were in vogue at the end of the 19th century”.

The painting above, Arabesque Poétique ou L’Echelle dans le feuillage, is by Maurice Denis from 1892.


This wool tapestry is entitled, La Baigneuse ou La Vague. It is the work of Aristide Maillol during the period 1896-1899.


There are Japanese influences in the decorative works of the Nabis as shown on this screen, Passage Vallonné by Marguerite Sérusier from 1910. The Japanese ukiyo-e style of painting with its simple forms, vibrant colors and decorative themes appealed to the Nabis.


Most of these works were commissions by friends or patrons and themes about women and nature and spirituality were depicted in these panels. The Legend of Saint Hubert: the Miracle is by Maurice Denis from 1897. 


Le Corsage Rayé is by Edouard Vuillard from 1895. The woman with the striped blouse is clearly the central figure in this canvas.


La Vision pres du torrent ou Le Rendezvous des fées
Paul Serusier, 1897

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie 




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