Sketches for a Natural History (Histoires naturelles) (recto); Rooster (verso)

Description

In his paintings drawings and prints, Pierre Bonnard brought an intimacy as well as an opulent wit to the Parisian scene, transforming the street corner, middle-class parlour, or farmyard into his own charming imagery. Here, with a series of rapid, loose strokes, he has caught the movement of pigs, roosters, and goats, who strut around as if they were human.

Provenance

Bequeathed by William McCormick Blair (1884-1982), Chicago, to the Art Institute, 1982.

Sketches for a Natural History (Histoires naturelles) (recto); Rooster (verso)

Pierre Bonnard

c. 1904

Accession Number

113920

Medium

Brush and black ink with red pastel (recto), and brush and black ink (verso), offset on cream wove paper

Dimensions

49.9 × 31.9 cm (19 11/16 × 12 9/16 in.)

Classification

pen and ink drawings

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of William McCormick Blair

Background & Context

Background Story

Pierre Bonnard's double-sided Sketches for a Natural History shows animal studies with a rooster on the verso.

Cultural Impact

Bonnard's natural history sketches show his engagement with nature.

Why It Matters

This shows Bonnard's studies of animals.