Life Becomes Precious, Discreet

Maurice Denis

Cleveland Museum of Art

The image depicts a woman in a white dress and head covering standing in a courtyard or garden. The woman is positioned centrally, wearing a long white dress and a head covering that drapes down her back. She faces to the right, with her head turned slightly towards the viewer. To her left stands a tall, dark green coniferous tree. Behind her, on the left side of the image, is a building with a window featuring multiple panes. On the right side of the image, there appears to be another structure or wall with a plant growing up it and a circular object partially visible. The color palette of the image is muted, with shades of green, beige, and white dominating the scene. The overall atmosphere suggests a serene and contemplative setting, possibly from an early 20th-century art movement such as Nabi or Symbolism. The artist's signature, "Maurice Denis," and the title "Life Becomes Precious, Discreet" are written at the bottom of the image.