Bonnard (World of Art) [Paperback]

Timothy Hyman (Author)

Book Description

Series: World of Art | Publication Date: May 1998

Reviewing the work of Bonnard, one of the best-loved artists of the modern period, this book draws insights into his personality from his paintings. It is published on the occasion of a retrospective exhibition at the Tate Gallery, London, in February 1998. Bonnard's association with the Nabis, especially Vuillard, inspired him to develop Impressionist notions, by treating light and colour in an entirely fresh way. Influenced by Japanese prints, Bonnard's style evolved into decorative intimate evocations of interiors; in his mature work, the rich and sometimes near-abstract compositions of the 1930s and 1940s recall Matisse's monumental treatments. His best-known figure paintings, the many intimate portraits of his wife Marthe, express profoundly human concerns, characteristic of all Bonnard's painting.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Watkins (Matisse, Oxford, 1985) argues for a reappraisal of Bonnard, not as the last of the Impressionists but as a formalist and decorative painter in the 20th century. Discussing his affiliation with Vuillard and the other Nabis, the author draws from the artist's work to demonstrate the influences of Gauguin, Japanese prints, and the later Degas. Withdrawing from the Paris of the 1890s into his own rich, personal, painterly iconography, Bonnard succeeded in creating intimate interiors, and his identification with his more analytical contemporary, Matisse, is apparent. Other French artists, such as Braque, whose style can be seen in some of Bonnard's still lifes, is not named, although the Cubists are mentioned as an interest. It does seem a bit stretched when Watkins implies that Bonnard influenced Monet. Overall, however, the book is well researched and contains many illustrations emphasizing Bonnard's deep involvement with color. An interesting contemporary view for art history scholars, this is recommended for academic collections.
Ellen Bates, New York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Timothy Hyman is a painter and a regular contributor to The Times Literary Supplement, Burlington Magazine, and elsewhere.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500203105
• ISBN-13: 978-0500203101
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #755,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Internal Paradise, June 28, 2000

By 

Elizabeth E. Brinton "lizziebee" (Kirkland WA U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bonnard (Hardcover)

Nicholas Watkins comprehensive overview of the work of Bonnard deals with the rich interplay between the quiet domesticity and the radiant, transcendental quality of the painter's art. The book covers the early years of Bonnard's work and his use of photography. The phases of the artist's work are covered in clear chapters with references to the excellent reproductions. It is especially helpful to see Bonnard's small, seemingly offhand pencil sketches, alongside the paintings. This gives a sense of the trasformative and magical quality of his observations. The many reproductions are vibrant in comparison to those seen in some other books currently available.

Bonnard fell between eras, as a post impressionist, always up against the fame of the cubists, and always compared (unfavorably, and unfairly) with the genius of Picasso. He was a quiet force, a colorist of the highest order, bringing us the light of southern France forever. This book is a great gift for an art lover, a treat for the eyes and the mind.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BONNARD IS A BIBLE FOR ART LOVERS, April 20, 2003

By 

Catherine "Desert Thoughts" (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bonnard (Paperback)

Bonnard is hot and getting hotter. You can't pick up a novel without reading that one of the characters either has a Bonnard, is getting ready to steal a Bonnard, or simply desires one.

This book has great photos and the biography, which definitely belongs with the art, is extremely well written. This is a fine book and I like it so much that when my son, who is an artist, wanted to borrow it, I simply bought him his own copy. I keep mine for myself. Selfish, but true..and tells you how much I treasure it.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Impressed, March 26, 2008

By 

wild child's mom - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bonnard (Paperback)

The scope of work presented in this book is very wide and complete, the ratio of text to pictures is very satisfying, and the pictures themselves are nice and large. However the quality of the reproductions has not impressed me at all, the colors that Bonnard is so famous for are washed out, and the prints appear blurry. Allover a rather disappointing book.