The Orange Christ
1889 Cleveland Museum of Art
About this artwork
This small oil painting depicts a highly stylized scene of the Crucifixion, showcasing Maurice Denis's early exploration of Symbolist principles. It is an important work from his formative years within the Les Nabis group.
Did you know?
Maurice Denis, a prominent member of the Les Nabis group, famously declared in 1890 that 'a painting - before being a war horse, a nude woman, or some anecdote - is essentially a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order.' 'The Orange Christ' exemplifies this philosophy, simplifying the religious narrative into a powerful composition of color and form, marking a significant departure from academic realism towards modern art.
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The Orange Christ
Maurice Denis, 1889
