virgins in the field

a nabi (a small group of artists dubbed that by a critic--it meant 'prophet'), maurice denis believed as did the japanese that it was foolish to see only oil on canvas within a frame as art.

the nabis often called for "walls for decoration!"

this piece, entitled 'april,' 1892, was one of four panels designed for the walls of a young girl's bedroom. like many of the works of the nabis, here the diagonal structure, simplified shapes, and flat surfaces of bright color also recalled the work of the japanese printmakers they admired.

shuntei miagawa's work, 'picking dandelions,' 1904, featured young women and children, which were his favorite topics.

the musee d'orsay in paris features three exhibitions, from 10.31.2006 to 1.21.2007, of denis' work: paintings, drawings, and photographs, along with various related events.