Le Canotage (Boating)

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Le Canotage (Boating)

Artist Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947)

Date1897

Dimensionsimage: 10 3/4 x 18 1/2 in. (27.3 x 47 cm)
sheet: 16 7/8 x 22 1/2 in. (42.9 x 57.2 cm)

MediumColor Lithograph on china paper

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineFrederick B. and Kate L. Shoemaker Fund

Object number

1986.90

Not on View

Label TextIn his youth, the artist Pierre Bonnard was influenced by Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) and, more strongly, by Japanese prints. He developed a strong affinity for decorative pattern early in his career. The crossing pattern found in the structure of the bridge in this print is an example of that interest. Pierre Bonnard was particularly fond of the countryside near Vernon. The willowy landscape and the meandering River Seine became his favorite subjects. This image is printed in four colors and was originally issued in the second Album d’estampes originales, published by Galerie Vollard, Paris, in an edition of 100. Pierre Bonnard, studied law before training at the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Paris. By 1890 he was experimenting widely with different artistic materials and productions – posters, furniture, screens, stage scenery, and lithography. Bonnard’s graphic work often shows a decorative, asymmetrical arrangement of figures against flat-colored and patterned backgrounds. His avant-garde style has been attributed to the influence of Japanese woodblock prints.Published ReferencesRoger-Marx, Claude. Bonard Lithographe. Monte-Carlo, 1952, pp. 84-85, (illus,) no. 44. Johnson, Una E. Amboise Vollard, Editeur. New York, 1977, p. 129, cat. no. 13. Bouvet, Francis. Bonnard, The Complete Graphic Work. New York, 1981, pp. 52-53 (illus.), cat. no. 42.Exhibition History

Detroit Institutes of Arts, Site and Self: Nineteenth Century French Landscape Prints and Drawings, 1989-1990, p. 3.

Toledo Museum of Art, Above Water: Bridges from the Collection, July 20-Oct. 21, 2007.

Toledo Museum of Art, French Prints from the TMA, Feb 18-May 15, 2005.

Toledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.