Martha and Mary - Maurice Denis

A 1896 Symbolist work by Maurice Denis, depicting the biblical meeting of Martha and Mary through flattened forms and a soft, harmonious colour palette.

Maurice Denis, a central figure of the Nabis group, painted this work in 1896. The composition depicts the biblical scene of Martha and Mary, where the two sisters host Jesus. Denis employs a flattened perspective and simplified forms, which are characteristic of his approach to painting during this period. The figures are rendered with soft, muted tones, and their features are intentionally understated to focus on the mood and spiritual quality of the encounter. The scene is set against a background that suggests a garden, rendered in pale yellows and greens. The table in the foreground acts as a horizontal anchor, separating the domestic activity of the sisters from the more ethereal presence of the central figure. The use of colour is deliberate, favouring harmony over realism. Denis was known for his theory that a painting, before being a battle horse, a nude woman, or some anecdote, is essentially a flat surface covered with colours assembled in a certain order. This philosophy is evident here, as the arrangement of shapes and hues takes precedence over traditional modelling or deep spatial illusion. This work reflects the Nabis interest in decorative art and the synthesis of religious themes with modern aesthetic sensibilities. The influence of Japanese woodblock prints is visible in the clear outlines and the lack of traditional chiaroscuro. By stripping away unnecessary detail, Denis invites the viewer to contemplate the quiet interaction between the figures. The work remains a clear example of how the Nabis sought to move beyond the objective recording of nature, opting instead for a subjective, symbolic interpretation of their subjects. The print captures the subtle textures of the original oil paint, preserving the delicate balance of the composition.