And It is the Caress of Their Hands, plate eight from Love
1898, published 1899
Lithograph in green, peach, and yellow on light ivory wove paper
38.8 × 28.5 cm (15.3 × 11.2 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
These 12 prints come from Love , a series of color lithographs that form a disjointed narrative about a woman who experiences love, although it is unclear if she is falling in love with a man, nature, or her faith. Each soft and dreamlike image is paired with a caption of fragmented poetry that serves as its title, but these phrases do not directly describe their corresponding images. Maurice Denis, who was also a writer, crafted these puzzling yet evocative captions to add layers of meaning through the interplay of text and image.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by Maurice Denis
More like this
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — And It Is the Caress of 
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — But It Is the Heart that
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — Debauchery (second plate)
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — At the Concert
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — Our Souls, in Languorous
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — Débauché
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — At the Ambassadeurs—Singer at th
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — And It is the Caress of 
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — She Was More Beautiful T
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec|Edward Ancourt|Boussod, Valadon an
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864–1901) — Aux Ambassad
Maurice Denis (French, 1870–1943) — On the Pale Silver Sofa