Promenade des Nourrices, Frise des Fiacres [second panel from left]

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant streets of fin-de-siècle Paris with Bonnard's *Promenade des Nourrices,ise des Fiacres* (second panel from left a captivating 1899 color lithographic screen the National Gallery of Art Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection This framed four-panel work, measuring about 61 x 21 inches, exemplifies Bonnard early mastery as a print within the Post-Impression Nabi movement, where like him blended Japanese print influences with bold, decorative color to evoke modern life. The title evokes a lively urban tableau: "nourrices" (wet nurses) strolling in the Tuileries Gardens, while "fiacres" (horse-drawn cabs) bustle nearby, capturing the Belle Époque's blend of leisure and hustle. Bonnard's lithographic technique shines here, layering vibrant hues through multiple stones for a tapestry-like frieze effect—innovative for screens, traditionally painted, and perfect for intimate interiors. As a rare surviving example of Bonnard's graphic experimentation before his famed paintings, this piece highlights his lifelong fascination with fleeting everyday moments, bridging fine art and decorative design. A window into 1890s Parisian society, it invites visitors to savor the joy in ordinary scenes.

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...