Trottins, Version no 1. Girls out Shopping. by Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947

Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947
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Trottins, Version no 1. Girls out Shopping.

Original drypoint in black ink. 1927. One of only five recorded proofs - there was no issued edition. Drawn for Charles Terrasse, Bonnard's brother-in-law. (This version never issued - a second re-drawn version of a similar theme was issued for the de-luxe edition of 220 of the Terrasse album in 1927). Extremely rare in this first version - see notes below.
Ref: Terrasse 60. Bouvet - Bonnard Graphic Work no 108.

Beautiful hand-printed proof impression with burr and hand-wiped ink-tone. On pale cream laid hand-made paper (papier a la main). Excellent original condition, not restored. Full margins. Sheet: 11 1/2 x 8 ins. Plate: 7 x 4 3/4ins (178x120mm)

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It was during the period of the mid 1920's that Bonnard's interest in drawing was at its most intense. He carried small pocket sketchbooks all the time and filled the pages with pencil drawings made direct from life. It was these studies which became the basis for his studio paintings. The same passion for drawing led him to try working in the linear styles of drypoint and etching, rather than the broader more painterly lithography, for prints. He particularly liked drypoint as the plate could be worked 'from life', just like a sketchbook sheet.

Amongst the most beautiful and characteristic of the small group of drypoints that he drew in the period 1925-27 was the study above of two girls out shopping, now usually but actually incorrectly entitled Trottins - Errand Girls. The observation in the pattern of the two figures set against the flickering light on the surfaces of the shop windows behind is very typical of Bonnard's art at this date.

Two versions of this composition exist. The first, shown above, is only known in some five proofs recorded in the Bouvet oeuvre catalogue of Bonnard's prints. These proofs are exceptionally rare. This first version was certainly drawn from life. However when Charles Terrasse, Bonnard's brother-in-law, asked if he could include an edition of the drypoint with his first monograph and catalogue of Bonnard's prints, Bonnard probably thought that the marvellous subtlety seen here in the drypoint shading would not survive a proper edition. He therefore redrew the plate in his studio in slightly simplified form, and it was this second version which was editioned. The first version , as above, is extremely rare.