Who painted The Square at Evening?

The Square at Evening was painted by Pierre Bonnard in 1899.

Where can I see The Square at Evening?

The Square at Evening is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Square at Evening?

The Square at Evening is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Square at Evening

Pierre Bonnard , 1899

The Square at Evening is a print by the Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Here’s a revised version: Pierre Bonnard painted a quiet Paris square at dusk.

Here’s a revised version:

Pierre Bonnard painted a quiet Paris square at dusk.
Soft light fades between buildings and a bare tree.
A few people walk home, their shapes melting into the gloom.

This was made around 1899, when color printing got a fresh start.
Lithographers swapped heavy stones for lighter zinc plates.
Cheaper tools meant more artists played with bold color.

See it next at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Overview

The Square at Evening is a print created by Pierre Bonnard around 1899, depicting a serene Parisian square at dusk, characterized by soft fading light, sparse human figures, and a dominant bare tree.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of everyday life in a Parisian square as day transitions to night, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere of the scene over dynamic activity, with figures subtly integrated into the shadows.

Technique & Style

Bonnard utilized the revived color lithography technique, facilitated by the advent of lighter, more affordable zinc plates, allowing for experimentation with bold colors to evoke the soft, fading light of dusk.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1899, this work reflects the flourishing of color lithography in late 19th-century France, supported by technological advancements, artist organizations, and a growing printmaking community.

Context

The piece is situated within the broader artistic movement of the 1890s French avant-garde, influenced by the accessibility of new lithographic techniques and the popularity of color printing among contemporary artists.

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.