Voiliers sur les Vagues. Papier de Tenture. Sailing Boats on the Waves. Design for Wallpaper by Maurice Denis, 1870-1943

Maurice Denis, 1870-1943
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Voiliers sur les Vagues. Papier de Tenture. Sailing Boats on the Waves. Design for Wallpaper

Original lithograph in colours. 1893. Signed with the artist's monogram in the stone. Also with the inscription: P.P. MD no 1 lower left. An exceptionally rare example of the first of the four colour versions of the lithograph wallpaper drawn by Denis. Intended for issue by L'Estampe
Originale, André Marty, Paris 1893. Printed by Bourgerie Cie. Colours: Pale olive green and strong pink.
Ref: Cailler - Denis L'Oeuvre Gravé no 71

Note: Surviving examples of this lithograph by Denis are so rare that almost none are known. In 1968 Cailler could find no example anywhere to photograph for illustration.
Extremely fine impression with excellent soft colours. On light cream wove paper laid onto a canvas stretcher. Very fine condition except for one retouched surface rub. Sheet (on stretcher): 37 3/8 x 25 3/8. Image: 35 5/8 x 19 6/8 ins.(905x500mm).

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Impressions of this colour lithograph ?Papier de Tenture? - wall paper or decorative wall panel - are exceptionally rare. Denis is recorded as having drawn four versions of this composition in 1893, however when Cailler wrote his illustrated catalogue of Denis? work in 1968 he could find no impression to illustrate (using a reproduction in Pan for his photograph). In fact only some four or five impressions are known, all in museum collections. This is the first impression we have ever heard-of on the market.

The composition is a superb example of Denis?s creative approach to the medium of colour lithography and also of the approach to decorative and expressive design which is a central feature of Nabis art. The flowing lines and repeated rhythmic use of the forms, linked to the sensitive approach to the limited range of ink tones, creates a beautiful and evocative imagery which expresses much of the atmosphere and aesthetic of late 19th century Nabis art.

Note: This impression is currently laid down on canvas and fixed to a ?stretcher? for support. The sheet could be lifted from the stretcher if required (please consult us). The condition of the surface of the sheet is exceptionally fine especially for such a ?poster-like? object as this. There is one very small (1/2 inch) expertly retouched paper rub lower left.