Artwork

Place Clichy

Place Clichy, by Pierre Bonnard, oil, 1900
Place Clichy, by Pierre Bonnard, oil, 1900

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

Portrait of Pierre Bonnard

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Norton Simon Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.