Pierre Bonnard: The Colour of Memory

Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) was of the generation of artists that helped transform painting during the first half of the 20th century. As a painter, Bonnard preferred to work from memory—imaginatively capturing the spirit of a moment and expressing it through his unique handling of color and unconventional choice of composition. Focusing on his work from 1912 to 1947, this lavishly illustrated book presents landscapes and intimate domestic scenes that capture the passage of time, often conveying a sense of sensuality or melancholy. Along with looking at Bonnard’s processes, his reliance on photography, and his ability to work on different subjects side-by-side, this book sets Bonnard in the turbulent history of his times. Published to accompany a major exhibition, the book reveals Bonnard’s transition from great colorist to Modernist master and emphasizes his place within 20th-century art.