Psyché aux hortensias (esquisse) (circa 1929)

Maurice Denis, a renowned French painter and theorist and a member of the Nabis group, presents us with a captivating piece titled "Psyché aux hortensias (esquisse)" dating back to roughly 1929. This sketch serves as a window into the artist's exploration of mythological themes through a vibrant palette and emotive composition.The painting immerses us in a lush garden setting, where large hydrangea blossoms dominate the foreground, rendered in hues of blues and purples, creating an enveloping sense of depth and texture. Addressing the mythical character of Psyche, Denis illustrates her centrally, rendered with a soft, almost ethereal touch, which enhances the mystical quality of the scene. Alongside Psyche, delicate figures of angels or possibly Cupids hint at the narrative of love and soul that is deeply interwoven with Psyche’s mythological stories.What is particularly striking is the use of color and light in the painting. The transitioning shades from the vivid greens of the garden to the warm, soothing yellows of the sunset sky suggest a moment of tranquility and otherworldly peace. The sketchy, impressionistic style of Denis's brushwork imbues the painting with a dreamlike and spontaneous feel, inviting the viewer to a moment suspended in time.