196 - Man in a Bowler Hat

Man in a Bowler Hat Watercolor over pencil lines on paper 18.6 x 15 cm Vertical monogram stamp in the lower right corner: MAUD Provenance: Maurice Denis Collection Private collection “An artist’s personality often conceals many contradictory aspects. Thus Maurice Denis, initially an avant-garde painter who fought against the official art curriculum and academic painting, became a member of the Institut on April 30, 1932... The dissident had become an official figure, laden with titles, honors, and responsibilities—a Commander of the Legion of Honor, a man of culture posing with dignity in his library... This did not prevent him, both before and after his election, from questioning the meaning of it all: “I did not see this as a reward—nor did I see it as an honor for the Institute. I looked back on my long career, my efforts, my failures, my entire life oriented toward success—the path of fortune—and wondered what God’s will might be behind all of this, and what His views are of me?” The Institute opened doors for him, provided him with connections and support (oh, how useful these are to one who must make a living from his art...) and the opportunity to participate in “sessions,” gatherings, and trips. All these things are interesting and exciting, and for the artist and theorist, it is a pleasure to mingle with such a gathering of sharp minds… But within the academician, laden with honors, lies an exceptional schoolboy-like draftsman. He cannot help but surreptitiously sketch one or the other with a few strokes of his pen. He cannot resist capturing a gesture of boredom, a self-important air, a fleeting expression… and there you have it: the Immortals, forever caught in their delightful poses!” Agnès Delannoy, *Maurice Denis, the Draftsman: The Work Revealed*, Paris, Somogy Editions d’art, 2006, page 212.