Meaning: Maurice Denis, a French painter, writer, and one of the leading figures of the Nabi movement, made a profound statement about the essence of painting in the quote, "Remember that a painting - before it is a battle horse, a nude model, or some anecdote - is essentially a flat surface covered with colours assembled in a certain order." This quote encapsulates the fundamental principle of painting and invites viewers and artists to contemplate the nature of art beyond its representational or narrative qualities.

Denis's assertion emphasizes the formal elements of painting - the flat surface, colors, and their arrangement - as the foundational components of visual art. It suggests that before a painting conveys any specific subject matter or narrative, it exists as an arrangement of colors on a two-dimensional plane. This viewpoint challenges the conventional understanding of painting as primarily a medium for depicting recognizable objects or telling stories. Instead, it directs attention to the intrinsic qualities of the visual elements themselves and their interaction on the canvas.

By highlighting the "flat surface" as the starting point of a painting, Denis draws attention to the physicality of the artwork. The canvas or any other support serves as the literal foundation on which the artist works, and its flatness sets the stage for the application of colors and forms. This emphasis on the flat surface suggests that the act of painting involves a transformation of this blank space into a dynamic and expressive composition through the artist's creative intervention.

Furthermore, Denis's reference to colors assembled in a certain order underscores the significance of composition and arrangement in painting. The deliberate selection and placement of colors are essential in creating visual harmony, balance, and rhythm within the artwork. The quote implies that the artist's decisions regarding color, form, and spatial relationships are integral to the essence of a painting, shaping its aesthetic impact and communicative power.

In essence, Denis's quote encourages a reevaluation of how we perceive and interpret paintings. It prompts viewers to engage with the formal aspects of art, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the visual language employed by artists. By acknowledging the flat surface and the arrangement of colors as the primary components of a painting, this perspective invites a more abstract and contemplative approach to art, beyond literal representation and storytelling.

Denis's words also align with the principles of modernist and abstract art movements, which sought to emphasize the autonomy of visual elements and the intrinsic qualities of the medium. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich similarly prioritized the formal aspects of art, exploring the potential of color, line, and shape to evoke emotional and spiritual responses independently of representational content.

In conclusion, Maurice Denis's quote serves as a reminder of the essential nature of painting, urging us to perceive art beyond its representational façade and recognize the significance of formal elements. By foregrounding the flat surface and the arrangement of colors, Denis invites us to contemplate the inherent beauty and expressive power of visual art, transcending specific subject matter and narratives. This perspective enriches our understanding of painting as a unique and multifaceted form of expression, encouraging a deeper engagement with the visual language of art.