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The Dessert

1921
(French, 1867–1947)
France, 20th century
oil on fabric
Framed: 114.6 x 117.5 x 7.9 cm (45 1/8 x 46 1/4 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 76.2 x 80 cm (30 x 31 1/2 in.)
Gift of the Hanna Fund 1949.18
© Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
Location: 223 20th Century Avant-Garde
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Did You Know?

In this painting Bonnard gives us a colorful glimpse of an intimate dinner scene at the beginning of the 20th century. He places us close to the figures and a little bit higher, as if we were just standing to leave the table, allowing the viewer to imagine being part of the scene.

Description

This domestic scene depicts a woman at a dining table accompanied by a young man at whose side is a small dog, just visible at the edge of the table. The woman is the artist’s wife, Marthe. The boy has been identified as Ari Redon, the son of artist Odilon Redon; the dachshund is the Bonnard family pet, Poucette. The painting explores the simple pleasures of daily life—a shared meal, quiet companionship—enriched through the application of glowing, sensual color.
The Dessert

The Dessert

1921

Pierre Bonnard

(French, 1867–1947)
France, 20th century

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