Salon d'Automne: Invitation

Art Historical Context

**Salon d'Automne: Invitation** Pierre Bonnard, 1912 Lithograph in dark brown on wove paper National Gallery of Art, Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection Step into the vibrant world of early 20th-century Paris with Pierre Bonnard's elegant lithograph, an invitation to the 1912 Salon d'Automne. Bonnard, a leading Post-Impressionist and member of the intimate Les Nabis group, masterfully blended fine art with graphic design in this compact print (just 20.7 x 11.1 cm). Known for his luminous domestic scenes and bold colors, here he employs a sophisticated monochromatic palette in dark brown ink, showcasing his versatility as a printmaker. The Salon d'Automne, founded in 1903, was a pivotal showcase for avant-garde art, famously launching Fauvism in 1905 and fostering movements like Cubism. Bonnard's invitation captures this cultural hub's energy, serving as both a practical ephemera and a collector's gem. Lithography on wove paper allowed Bonnard to achieve delicate lines and subtle tones, a technique he honed in his poster work for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, democratizing modern art through accessible promotion. This piece highlights the era's fusion of commerce and creativity, reminding us how even invitations could embody artistic innovation. A true treasure from the National Gallery of Art's CG-E Department.

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...