Pierre Bonnard

Date of Birth: October 3, 1867

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 23, 1947

Biography

Pierre Bonnard was a French painter and printmaker, celebrated for his exceptional sense of color and his innovative use of light and perspective. Born on October 3, 1867, in Fontenay-aux-Roses, Hauts-de-Seine, France, Bonnard initially pursued a law degree at the insistence of his father but soon turned to his true passion, art. He attended the Académie Julian in 1888 and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1891, Bonnard joined the avant-garde group Les Nabis, a collective of artists that included Édouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis. The group sought to break away from the constraints of Impressionism and focused on symbolic content. Bonnard’s early work was influenced by Japanese prints, which is evident in his use of flat planes and bold colors. Bonnard’s personal life was marked by his relationship with Marthe de Méligny, whom he met in 1893 and married in 1925. Marthe was a significant influence on his work, often serving as his muse and model. Pierre Bonnard is renowned for his intimate domestic scenes, landscapes, and nudes, capturing everyday moments with a unique vibrancy and emotional depth. He continued to paint prolifically until his death on January 23, 1947, in Le Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes, France. His legacy endures, with his works held in major museums worldwide, celebrated for their timeless beauty and profound sensitivity.

5 Interesting Facts about Pierre Bonnard

1. Pierre Bonnard was a founding member of the Post-Impressionist group Les Nabis, which means “The Prophets” in Hebrew.

2. He often used photographs as references for his paintings, capturing spontaneous moments before translating them onto canvas.

3. Bonnard’s wife, Marthe de Méligny, frequently appeared in his works, often depicted in intimate and domestic settings.

4. His work was exhibited in the first Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1903, a significant event for avant-garde artists.

5. Bonnard was known for his meticulous process, often reworking pieces over several years, which resulted in richly layered and textured compositions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pierre Bonnard

1. “A painting that is finished is a dead painting.”

2. “Art will never be able to exist without nature.”

3. “Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it.”

4. “The important thing is to remember what most impressed you and to put it on canvas as fast as possible.”

5. “It is still color, it is not yet light.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Pierre Bonnard’s highest net worth is not extensively documented, but his works have been known to fetch millions at auction in the contemporary art market.