Description
The work "The Bourgeois afternoon" or "The Terrasse family", painted in 1900 by Pierre Bonnard, is a clear reflection of the post -impressionist style that characterized the artist and that marked a time of transition in art. Bonnard, known for his ability to capture the intimacy of the home and everyday life, achieves in this painting an atmosphere of calm and sophistication of the bourgeoisie of the late nineteenth century.
The composition of the work invites a leisurely reading; The viewer is received by a space that, although interior, merges with the outside thanks to a wide terrace that seems to open to a sunny garden. The light floods the scene, an element that Bonnard masterfully uses to create a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. Its loose brushstrokes and the dynamic use of color are distinctive characteristics of its style, allowing yellow, orange and green nuances to entertain in a chromatic game that suggests the warmth of the afternoon.
In it painting, We observe three characters that represent family intimacy and shared time. The figures appear in relaxed positions, at a time of rest that evokes the tranquility of bourgeois life. Although they are not thorough portraits, Bonnard manages to give each figure a distinctive presence within an environment that supports the narrative of the scene. Their gestures and the arrangement of the bodies create a sensation of connection and daily life that transcends the moment represented.
Bonnard is also recognized for his ability to integrate the interior space with the outside, and in "the bourgeois afternoon" this is manifested through the decorative elements and the vegetation that borders the scene. The leaves and flowers that appear in the work not only add a natural component, but also reflect the bourgeois ideal of harmonious family life and the appreciation for the beauty that nature provides. This interrelation between the interior and the outside is a recurring theme in Bonnard's work, where everyday life is enriched through an environment that invites contemplation.
The work can also be interpreted as a comment on the Bourgeoisie, a class that was expanding in Europe of its time. The representation of the family in their home, at apparently simple times, evokes the search for happiness and stability that they valued so much. Bonnard captures not only the aesthetics of the moment, but also the essence of a life marked by the routine and the delight of the everyday.
Bonnard's characteristic style, which combines post -impressionism with a modernist approach in color and light uses, places it outside its contemporaries and gives it a privileged place in art history. Similar works of his period, where intimacy and domestic life are equally central, such as "breakfast" or "women's bath", reveal a constant interest in exploring the nuances of human experience through the color lens and the form.
"The bourgeois afternoon" is, in short, a work that transcends his time, a testimony of Bonnard's great approach towards private life and his subtle interactions. The painting captures not only a family scene, but also becomes a reflection of the aspirations and yearnings of a society into transformation, making it an essential piece to understand both the artist's work and the social context of the moment.
KUADROS ©, a famous paint on your wall.
Reproductions of paintings handmade oil, with the quality of professional artists and the distinctive seal of KUADROS ©.
Art reproduction service with satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the replica of your painting, we refund your money 100%.