And It is the Caress of their Hands - Maurice Denis

A delicate colour lithograph from the 1899 'Amour' portfolio by Maurice Denis, capturing a quiet moment of intimacy through soft tones and ethereal lines.

This colour lithograph by Maurice Denis, titled 'Et c'est la caresse de ses mains', originates from the 1899 portfolio 'Amour'. As a member of the Nabis group, Denis rejected traditional perspective in favour of decorative surfaces and subjective expression. The work displays the characteristic aesthetic of the period, where flat areas of colour and simplified forms replace realistic modelling. The composition features two figures rendered with delicate, ethereal lines. The soft palette of pale greens, yellows, and muted tones creates a dreamlike atmosphere, typical of Denis's interest in spiritual and poetic themes. The title, inscribed at the base, suggests a moment of intimacy and gentle human connection. The figures are integrated into a flattened, decorative space, where the background and foreground merge through the use of light, airy colour washes. Denis often drew inspiration from his own life, and this series reflects his personal devotion and the quietude of his domestic surroundings. The lithographic process allows for a subtle layering of pigment, which contributes to the overall sense of fragility and grace. By prioritising the emotional resonance of the scene over anatomical precision, Denis invites the viewer to engage with the work on a contemplative level. The print remains a representative example of the Nabis' approach to graphic art, where the medium is used to convey mood and internal states rather than external reality. The lack of heavy outlines and the emphasis on soft, diffused light define the visual character of this piece, making it a quiet addition to any collection of late nineteenth-century French graphic works.