Who painted Donkey Ride?

Donkey Ride was painted by Pierre Bonnard in 1893.

Where can I see Donkey Ride?

Donkey Ride is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Donkey Ride?

Donkey Ride is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Donkey Ride

Pierre Bonnard , 1893

Donkey Ride is a print by the Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Pierre Bonnard’s lithograph titled *Donkey Ride* belongs to an early series of prints in which the artist explored the medium of lithography. Produced as part of a collaborative songbook with his brother‑in‑law, composer Claude Terrasse, the image pairs with a humorous Parisian tune. The work reflects Bonnard’s interest in everyday urban scenes rendered with a light, informal touch.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a small donkey moving along a Paris street while its rider leans forward, smiling broadly. The playful posture of the rider and the casual motion of the animal convey a whimsical commentary on ordinary city life, echoing the humorous lyrics that accompany the print in the songbook.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, Bonnard employed loose, sketch‑like lines that give the impression of a quick notebook drawing. The economy of line and the spontaneous quality of the marks emphasize the work’s informal tone, while the lithographic process allows for subtle tonal variations that enhance the scene’s lightness.

History & Provenance

Created during Bonnard’s early forays into printmaking, *Donkey Ride* represents his first venture into illustration. The print was originally issued as part of a limited edition songbook commissioned by Claude Terrasse, linking visual art with contemporary French popular music. Copies of the album circulated among the artist’s circle in Paris before entering museum collections.

Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Bonnard

Pierre Bonnard was a French painter, illustrator and printmaker, known especially for the stylized decorative qualities of his paintings and his bold use of color.