POSTER/TITLE: 1950s Vintage Lithograph of 1890s Belle Epoque Poster by Pierre Bonnard for Salon de Cent in Paris
ARTIST/DESIGNER: Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947)
COUNTRY: Printed in France
MATERIAL: Lithograph
TYPE: Advertising
BRAND/COMPANY: Salon de Cent
DATE/PERIOD: Designed in 1896, this vintage lithograph was printed in the 1950s
DIMENSIONS: (24.40 x 31.50 cm) (9.61 x 12.40 inches)
CONDITION: (A) Excellent. This lithograph is a later printing from the 1950s
ARTIST/DESIGNER: Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) was a French painter, printmaker, and illustrator known especially for the stylized decorative qualities of his paintings and bold use of color. Toulouse-Lautrec admired his work and the two artists struck up a professional bond. Bonnard introduced Lautrec to his printers in Paris, Ancourt, where Lautrec would later print his famous poster for the Moulin Rouge.
BRAND/COMPANY: Salon des Cent (Exhibit of 100) was launched in 1894 by Leon Deschamps, founder of La Plume, an avant-garde literary and artistic magazine. It became known for its exhibitions showcasing the works of contemporary graphical artists. The salon had a six-year run of popular exhibits, ending in 1900. Bonnard was commissioned to create this particular poster in mid-1896. The promotional posters made for the Salon include an impressive lineup of talented artists of the period, including Lautrec, Bonnard, and Georges de Feure.
STORY/DESCRIPTION: To attract viewers to the 23rd Salon de Cent, Bonnard creates a delightful image of contrasts: the animated little dog, the poised woman, and our anticipation as the woman turns around to view the proceedings. Her face, though expected, does not appear. Her muteness behind her veil and the complete blankness of the unfinished form render the piece a bit of a mystery. It is a clever interpretation of ""an announcement of an exhibition"". The very paradox of both revealing and concealing. Bonnard used one of his favorite printers for this production: Jules Cheret, employed at Imprimerie Chaix.