Les Captifs
1907 Museum of Fine Arts of Reims
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting portrays an idyllic scene of numerous figures, mostly nude or semi-nude, bathing and lounging by a body of water with classical architecture in the background. It is a work by the French Symbolist painter Maurice Denis.
Did you know?
Maurice Denis, a key figure in the Symbolist and Les Nabis movements, famously stated that "a picture, before being a battle horse, a nude woman, or some anecdote, is essentially a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order." "Les Captifs" exemplifies his vision, evoking a timeless, poetic harmony where figures and landscape merge into a decorative and dreamlike composition, challenging academic realism for a more spiritual and idealized representation.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Les Captifs
Maurice Denis, 1907
