Maurice Denis

Collection of Marie Matisse, daughter-in-law of Henri Matisse (and sold: Succession Marie Matisse, MSA , Pontoise, December 15, 2001, lot 218)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

New York, Shepherd & Derom Galleries, 19^th Century European Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, Summer Exhibition, no. 30, illustrated in the catalogue

Musee du Prieure, Symbolistes et Nabis, Maurice Denis et son temps, St. Germain-en-Laye, 1985, no. 341, illustrated on page 53.

Executed on cream wove paper laid down on canvas. Visible areas of sheet, outside of image, appear somewhat time darkened. Small tears and losses to sheet at extreme lower edge, mostly on right side, and at upper left edge. Small tear at upper right edge (approx 1 inch). Several small nicks and losses in upper register have been visibly inpainted. Work is in fairly good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work was originally commissioned as a project for a stained glass window by Jacques Rouche, director of the Opera in Paris, for his hotel particulier around 1907. The window was later gifted to the collection of the Musee Maurice Denis.
Maurice Denis had already completed in 1894 a certain number of projects for windows destined for Siegfried Bing, an American and owner of the Galerie Art Nouveau.