Maurice Denis (1870-1943) was a prominent French painter, decorative artist, and writer, associated with the Symbolist and Nabi movements. Born in Granville, France, Denis developed an early interest in art, which led him to study at the Académie Julian in Paris. Influenced by Paul Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School, Denis became a founding member of the Nabis, a group of avant-garde artists committed to infusing their work with spiritual and symbolic meaning. Denis' artistic philosophy was encapsulated in his famous declaration: "Remember that a picture, before being a warhorse, a nude woman, or some anecdote, is essentially a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order." This idea emphasized the importance of formal elements in painting, anticipating modernist developments. His work is characterized by vibrant colors, rhythmic patterns, and a focus on religious and mythological themes. Denis was deeply inspired by his Catholic faith, which is evident in his many ecclesiastical commissions, including murals and stained-glass windows for churches. In addition to painting, Denis was an influential art theorist and critic, contributing to the appreciation of Symbolist and modern art. His legacy includes a rich body of work and a profound impact on the development of early 20th-century art. Denis passed away in Paris in 1943, leaving behind a significant artistic and theoretical legacy.