Quadrille

Art Historical Context

**Quadrille** *Pierre Bonnard, 1895* Lithograph in black on paper (proof); 10.9 × 33.5 cm (4 5/16 × 13 3/16 in.) Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection, gift in memory of H. Jackson, National Gallery of Art,, DC Step into the lively world of fin-de-siècle Paris with Bonnard's *Quadr* (1895), a charming lithograph proof printed in black ink on delicate china paper. This intimate horizontal composition, measuring just over a foot wide, captures Bonnard's early mastery as a member of Les Nabis, a group of Post-Impressionist artists who blended symbolism with decorative arts. At age 28, Bonnard was already experimenting with printmaking, drawing from his background in illustration and theater posters to infuse everyday scenes with poetic vibrancy. Lithography, a planar printing technique popular in late 19th-century France, allowed Bonnard to achieve fluid lines and subtle tones directly from his drawn stones—perfect for proofs like this one on thin, translucent china paper, used to evaluate quality before editioning. The title evokes the quadrille, a spirited square dance that captivated Parisian society, hinting at a rhythmic tableau of movement and joy. Though modest in scale, this work showcases Bonnard's innovative approach to color (here monochromatic) and form, bridging intimate graphics with his later luminous paintings. A gem from the National Gallery of Art's collection, it invites visitors to savor the artist's playful beginnings.

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...