MAURICE DENIS | Printemps dans la forêt, étude ou Paysage Blanc

Galerie Druet, Paris (acquired directly from the artist in 1908)
Pierre Goujon (acquired from the above in 1908)
Sale: Hôtel Drouot, Paris, March 29, 1971, lot 100
Sale: Hôtel Rameau, Versailles, December 5, 1971, lot 105
Sale: Hôtel Rameau, Versailles, May 31, 1972, lot 45
Sale: Hôtel Rameau, Versailles, December 2, 1973, lot 48
Private collection (acquired at the above sale)
Sale: Hôtel Drouot, Paris, April 1st, 1979, lot 101
Galerie La Cave, Paris
Galerie Paul Vallotton, Lausanne
Private collection, Switzerland
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Paris, Galerie Bernheim-Jeune, Exposition Maurice Denis, 1907, no. 30
Krefeld, Musée Kaiser Wilhelm, Exposition d'Art français, 1907, no. 38
Berlin, Galerie Eduard Schulte, Erste gemeinsame Austellung einer Gruppe Deutscher und Französischer Künstler, 1907, no. 7
Grenoble, 1908
Paris, Galerie Druet, Exposition Maurice Denis, 1908, no. 63
Paris, Galerie La Cave, Maurice Denis, 1981, no. 5 (titled Jeu dans un bois)

Jean-Paul Bouillon, Maurice Denis, Geneva, 1993, illustrated p. 101
Comte Harry Kessler, Journal. 1889-1937, vol. II, Paris, 2017, p. 5

It has not been possible to see the work entirely unframed. The panel is sound and slightly bent. Examination under UV light reveals no evidence of retouching. There are a few thin lines of stable craquelure in places, most predominately to the naked figure on the left. There is a small horizontal scratch (approx. 8 cm long) to the upper part of the left edge. There are two small brown dots, possibly pigment, in the upper right quadrant. There is some frame rubbing, with associated dots of paint losses, along the extreme edges. Colours are fresh and well preserved. This work is in overall very 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. 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."

Claire Denis has kindly confirmed the authenticity of this work.