Parallèlement (In Parallel)

Pierre Bonnard

Created:
Movement:
1900
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Intimate domesticity, Symbolist color palette
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Dimensions:
Closed: 30.3 × 25.2 × 1.7 cm (11 15/16 × 9 15/16 × 11/16 in.)
medium:
Book with one hundred nine lithographs in sanguine and nine wood engravings in black on ivory wove paper
story of the work:

"Parallèlement (In Parallel)" is a work that combines the visual artistry of Pierre Bonnard with the poetic text of Paul Verlaine. The collaboration reflects the Symbolist movement, which sought to evoke emotions and ideas through suggestive imagery and language. Bonnard, known for his vibrant color palette and intimate domestic scenes, often explored themes of light and perception in his work. Verlaine's poetry, characterized by its musicality and emotional depth, complements Bonnard's visual style, creating a harmonious interplay between text and image. The piece was printed by Imprimerie Nationale, a prestigious French printing house known for its high-quality publications. It was published by Ambroise Vollard, a prominent art dealer and publisher who played a significant role in promoting modern artists in the early 20th century. The exact date of creation remains unspecified, but the collaboration exemplifies the artistic synergy between visual art and literature during this period.

Description of the work:

"Parallèlement (In Parallel)" by Pierre Bonnard is a book that features a collection of one hundred nine lithographs executed in sanguine, accompanied by nine wood engravings in black. The lithographs exhibit Bonnard's characteristic use of color and light, emphasizing the interplay between figures and their environments. The sanguine tones create a warm, intimate atmosphere, while the black wood engravings provide a stark contrast, enhancing the visual depth of the work. The illustrations are intricately composed, often depicting domestic scenes and figures in contemplative poses, reflecting Bonnard's interest in the human experience. The ivory wove paper serves to highlight the richness of the sanguine and the precision of the black engravings. The collaboration with poet Paul Verlaine adds a lyrical dimension to the visual narrative, although the focus remains on the visual elements of Bonnard's lithographs. The publication by Ambroise Vollard, a prominent art dealer and publisher, underscores the significance of this work within the context of early 20th-century art. The overall composition of the book presents a harmonious integration of text and image, inviting the viewer to engage with both the visual and poetic elements.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Parallèlement (In Parallel)