The Terrace at Vernonnet
- Original dimensions
- 192 x 147 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1939
Scene depicted
In The Terrace at Vernonnet, Bonnard invites us to dive into a paradisiacal universe. A family relaxes on a terrace, surrounded by floral lushness. The bursts of light create reflections in the summer atmosphere, while the air is fragrant with scents of roses and vibrant gardens. It is a painting where every brushstroke breathes life and tranquility.
Historical context
Created in 1939, this painting is the result of a key artistic moment, where Pierre Bonnard , an emblematic figure of post-impressionism , captures the tranquil beauty of Vernonnet, a picturesque village in Normandy. This enchanting canvas is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, thus illustrating the lasting legacy of the artist.
Place in the artist's career
This canvas marks a pivotal moment in Bonnard's artistic career, representing the peak of his chromatic exploration. Alongside Nais at the Beach and The Afternoon Bath, this painting illustrates the evolution of his style towards increasingly bright and vibrant compositions.
Anecdote
“A painting must evoke something greater than the simple image. It must celebrate light and time,” Bonnard is said to have declared while contemplating the landscape around him. On a cool spring morning, this canvas is born from deep inspiration, paying homage to an atmosphere of serenity marked by time.