Artwork
Place Clichy

Place Clichy is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1900, this oil on canvas by Pierre Bonnard captures a bustling urban street in the district of Clichy. The composition centers on a lively thoroughfare framed by modest buildings, where pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles share the space. A vivid red cart on the right draws the eye, anchoring the scene within a moment of everyday activity.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays a typical early‑twentieth‑century cityscape, emphasizing the rhythm of public life. By juxtaposing human figures with the motion of horse‑drawn carriages, Bonnard suggests a transient, communal atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the interplay between individual presence and the broader urban flow.
Technique & Style
Bonnard employs a palette of blues, greens, and earthy browns to model depth, while his brushwork remains loose and expressive. The fluid strokes convey a sense of movement, and the contrast of the bright red cart against muted tones heightens visual dynamism, reflecting the artist’s interest in color and atmospheric effect.
History & Provenance
Since its execution, the painting has been part of several private collections before entering the holdings of the Norton Simon Museum. The museum acquired the work as part of its early‑twentieth‑century European painting collection, where it remains on display for public viewing.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.



















