Le Tapis Rouge - The Red Tablecloth by Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947

Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947
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Le Tapis Rouge - The Red Tablecloth

Lithograph in colours. 1942-43. Signed in pencil by Bonnard with his monogram. Conceived, proofed and retouched by Bonnard. Drawn on the stones by Jacques Villon, under Bonnard's supervision. Numbered in pencil from the edition of 80. (There were also 20 proof impressions). Printed at the Atelier Hazan, Paris 1942/43. Issued by Louis Carré,1948.
Ref: Bouvet - Bonnard Graphic Work no 125.

Excellent extremely fresh impression with perfect unfaded colours. Excellent original condition, never previously mounted or framed. Full margins. Sheet approx.: 25 7/8 x 20 5/8 ins. Image: 19 3/4 x 25 1/2ins (502x648mm).

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The series of lithographs that Bonnard drew in the early 1940’s are outstanding examples of the rich glowing colour which filled his work in the period when he was living in the South of France.

Bonnard drew the works using gouache maquettes and transfer papers, enlisting the help of his friend Jacques Villon to transfer the images to stone in the studio in Paris as he had no access to a lithographic press in the South of France and, being wartime, he could not travel to Paris himself. After each stage in preparing the stones Villon would take a proof to him in the South and he would retouch and correct it. This collaboration continued over a period of time until Bonnard was certain that the imagery and colour was exactly how he wanted it to be.

‘The Red Tablecloth - Le Tapis Rouge’ is a study inside Bonnard’s house at Le Cannet in the South of France. It is a superb example of his use at this period of strong emotional colours, filled with light and warmth. It also brilliantly expresses his fascination with the use of enclosed interior spaces to heighten an atmosphere of domestic emotion. The angle of the viewpoint, the emphasis into the corner of the room, the positioning of the table so that the viewer is brought right into the space, all these show the continuing invention. and inspiration of Bonnard’s art