Bonnard, Pierre (1867-1947)
Le Café (Coffee)
1915
Oil on canvas, 73 × 106.4 cm
Tate Britain, London
The dining table was one of Bonnard’s favourite subjects. Its associations with domestic routine and conviviality were in tune with his intimate vision of art. Here, the artist’s wife Marthe sips coffee, with her pet dog at her side. The table stretches invitingly before us, so that the painting appears to record the casual glance of someone about to sit down opposite Marthe. As can be seen in the preparatory sketches shown alongside the painting here, Bonnard’s composition was carefully planned and developed. (Tate)
See also:
• Bonnard, Marthe (1869-1942)