Beginning of Spring
- Original dimensions
- 132.1 x 87 cm
- Museum
- Phillips Collection
- Year
- 1908
Scene depicted
In “Beginning of Spring,” the scene depicts a lush garden, emerging from winter, where vibrant colors intertwine in a floral ballet. The sinuous shapes of the flowers, the tender green of the foliage, each element is a celebration of renewal and life. With delicate lightness, Bonnard composes a joyful atmosphere that evokes the promise of a new beginning, capturing the moment when nature reclaims its rights.
Historical context
Created in 1908 in Paris, “Beginning of Spring” is part of the tradition of post-impressionism , an artistic movement where emotion marries color and light. This painting , now preserved at the Phillips Collection in Washington D.C., opens the door to a vibrant visual narrative, inviting contemplation and reflection. With generous dimensions of 132.1 x 87 cm, this canvas orchestrates a delicate melody through its fluid forms and harmonious hues.
Place in the artist's career
This painting symbolizes not only one of the peaks of Bonnard's career as a major artist of post-impressionism , but it also stands alongside other great works, such as “The Terrace at Vernon” and “Nattender au Village.” These highlight his technical evolution, revealing a progressive mastery of color and emotions that matures over the years.
Anecdote
“I always seek the light, it is what shapes the world.” This quote from Pierre Bonnard resonates deeply during the creation of his masterpiece , inspired by a spring morning in Paris. The soft light in an alley, a scent of flowers emerging from a secret garden, all contribute to capturing this fleeting essence in the delicate universe of the canvas .