Maurice Denis

Acquis de l'artiste en 1933 par la famille du propriétaire actuel

Paris, Galerie Druet, Sept artistes contemporains, 1930, no. 18
Paris, Salon des Tuileries, 1930
Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Maurice Denis, 1933, no. 61

The canvas is not lined. There is no evidence of retouching under UV light. This work is in very good original condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

signed 'Maurice Denis' and dated '1929' (lower right), oil on canvas. Painted in 1929.  

Le sujet de cette oeuvre est la venue en Bretagne de Saint Efflam, fils d'un roi irlandais, qui accoste à Plestin dans la baie de Morlaix au Vème siècle. La légende raconte que le jeune Efflam fit jaillir une source pour désaltérer le roi Arthur et l'aida à combattre un dragon qui terrorisait la région.
Maurice Denis représente ici les retrouvailles de Saint Efflam et de sa femme Enora. Le peintre situe la scène dans la région de Perros-Guirec, à marée basse. Deux figures, à gauche de la composition, présentent les traits de ses amis : le peintre et poète Albert Clouard à la barbe blanche et le poète Pierre Guéguen à la barbe noire.

 

The subject of this work is the arrival in Brittany of Saint Efflam, the son of an Irish king, who docked at Plestin in the bay of Morlaix in the Fifth Century.  Legend has it that the young Efflam created a spring to quench King Arthur's thirst and helped him to fight a dragon which was terrorizing the region.  Not long afterwards, he founded a hermitage where he retired.  

Maurice Denis depicts here the reunion of Saint Efflam with his wife Enora. The painter situates the scene in the region of Perros-Guirec, at low tide. Two of the figures to the left of the composition bear the features of his friends: the painter and poet Albert Clouard seen with a white beard and the black-bearded face of the poet Pierre Guéguen.