Etude de Nu. Study of a Nude. by Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947

Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947
Scroll down for information.
Click here to return to the list.

Etude de Nu. Study of a Nude.

Original lithograph in sanguine ink. c. 1925. Signed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil (by the publisher): 'Ep d'essai en bistre' - trial proof. One of only ten impressions in sanguine ink. Total edition of 40 (5 trial proofs, 10 impressions in sanguine, and 25 impressions in black). Published by E. Frapier, Paris 1925, with his blindstamp.
Ref: Bouvet - Bonnard l'Oeuvre Gravé no 97. Roger Marx 84.

Extremely fine tonal impression. On pale cream stiff wove paper. Excellent original condition. Full margins. Sheet: 19 3/4 x 12 3/4ins. Image overall (stone): 11 5/8 x 7 1/4in. (295x185mm).

This item is sold.
Click here to enquire about this item.

A beautiful and very rare trial proof impression in sanguine ink - one of only 10 such. The edition was in black ink.

The theme of the nude in a domestic interior occurs throughout Bonnard's work, and some of his most enthralling versions of this motif occurred during the 1920's. Bonnard was interested in the way that the form of the figure links in to its surroundings, setting up a counterpoint between the softness of the limbs and the more angular shapes of the interior. One way in which Bonnard initiated this combination of integration and contrast was through an angled viewpoint and flattened perspective, so that the viewer is drawn into the image. This is very clearly to be seen in this study; an almost vertical view down to the floor is combined with a horizontal viewpoint for the figure, with the form elongated and rhythmic.

The forms in Bonnard's drawings are composed in terms of light as well as shape, and the use of the sanguine ink here creates a very effective soft tonality which greatly enhances the visual appeal of the imagery.