PIERRE BONNARD (1867-1947) SALON DES CENT. 1896. 24x16 1/2 inches, 61x42 cm. Chaix, Paris. Condition B: restored loss in top margin; repaired tear at lower right edge, into image; minor creases in image; mat staining at edges. Mounted on paper. Hinged to mat at top edge. Matted and framed. Bonnard designed only six posters. His first, France-Champagne in 1891, was a revolutionary image, displaying the influence of the Ukiyo-e Japanese prints and opening up horizons for the new generation of poster artists. "The central element of this highly modern composition, in which the large area of blank paper creates a vacuum, is the woman who is depicted only in outline - with details provided only at the top of her dress and the rendering of her head . . . The monogram, in the form of a butterfly, pays tribute to Japanese art and balances the composition" (Salon des Cent p. 35). Her attention (and that of the viewer) is drawn to the charming little dog. Wember 137, DFP-II 79, Salon des Cent 5, Bouvet 39, Art Nouveau p. 85, Abdy p. 82.
