Family Scene, from Above

Art Historical Context

Pierre Bonnard's *Family Scene, from Above (1893) is a charming lithograph that captures an intimate domestic moment viewed from an elevated perspective, offering a bird's-eye glimpse into everyday life. Printed in a limited palette of beige, brown brick red, and green, this work measures 31.1 x 17.8 cm and exemplifies Bonnard's early mastery of color lithography. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it reflects the artist's innovative approach to printmaking during his formative years. As a key member of the Nabis group—a Post-Impressionist circle influenced by Paul Gauguin and Japanese ukiyo-e prints—Bonnard emphasized decorative patterns, flattened forms, and emotional intimacy over realistic perspective. Created when he was just 26, this piece draws from his series *Quelques aspects de la vie de Paris*, blending observation with stylized abstraction. The overhead viewpoint, unusual for the time, invites viewers to peer into private family dynamics, foreshadowing Bonnard's lifelong fascination with light, color, and domestic harmony. Lithography's versatility allowed Bonnard to layer subtle tones directly on stone, achieving a painterly quality rare in prints. This technique not only democratized art through affordable editions but also highlighted the Nabis' belief in art's decorative role in modern life, bridging fine art and everyday beauty. A delightful window into late 19th-century French intimacy.

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...