Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Pierre Bonnard, ink, 1914
Untitled, by Pierre Bonnard, ink, 1914

Untitled is an ink print by Pierre Bonnard. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1914, this untitled work by Pierre Bonnard is a print that combines etching with drypoint techniques. The image presents a side profile of a man, his hat tipped low, a hand poised near his chin. The composition is rendered in swift, gestural lines that convey immediacy and a sense of informal observation.

Subject & Meaning

The figure depicted is an anonymous male, rendered without narrative detail, inviting viewers to focus on the act of seeing rather than a specific story. The casual pose and the loose handling of line suggest a moment captured in passing, reflecting Bonnard’s interest in everyday scenes and the fleeting qualities of human presence.

Technique & Style

Bonnard employed both traditional etching and the drypoint method, the latter producing the characteristic sharp, jagged edges and a velvety, uneven texture. The quick, scratchy strokes on the paper indicate a rapid execution, while the contrast between the smooth etched areas and the rough drypoint lines creates visual depth within the limited tonal range of the print.

History & Provenance

The work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of early 20th‑century prints. Its dating to the World War I era situates it among Bonnard’s lesser‑known graphic experiments, offering insight into his printmaking practice during a period of artistic transition.

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: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.