Daphnis en Chloë

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso midden, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Daphnis en Chloë** *Pierre Bonnard, 1902* Lithography, 150 × 140 mm Step into the idyllic world of Pierre Bonnard *Daphnis en Chloë*, a charming 1902 lithography that draws from the ancient Greek pastoral romance by Longus. This tale of innocent young lovers in a sun-drenched Arcadian landscape inspired many artists, and Bonnard— a leading Post-Impressionist and member of Les Nabis—infused it with his signature warmth and decorative flair. At just 15 by 14 cm, the print's intimate scale invites close contemplation, evoking the tender, dreamlike intimacy of rural life. Bonnard's mastery of lithography shines here, a medium he championed for its painterly versatility. By drawing directly on lithographic stone with greasy crayons and inks, artists like him achieved subtle tonal gradations and vibrant hues without plates, bridging fine art and reproducible imagery. This technique suited the Nabis' emphasis on pattern, color, and suggestion over strict realism, making prints accessible yet exquisite. A collector's mark stamped on the verso (Lugt 2228) underscores its provenance from esteemed holdings, as cataloged by Frits Lugt. This gem reflects Bonnard's early 20th-century innovation, blending mythology with modern sensibility for enduring appeal.

About the Artist

Pierre Bonnard · 1867–1947

Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) was a French painter and printmaker who became a leading figure in the Post-Impressionist movement and a founding member of Les Nabis. Born on October 3, 1867, in Fontenay-aux-Roses, France, Bonnard initially studied law at his father's insistence, graduating and briefly practicing as a barrister in 1888. However, his true passion lay in art, and he had simultaneously at...