Work Table

- 122.0 x 91.0cm
Pierre Bonnard (1867 – 1947)
A master of Intimism, Pierre Bonnard captured light in works like The Dining Room. Discover his vibrant, emotive masterpieces today.
National Gallery of Art (Washington, USA)
Explore iconic works by Monet and Da Vinci in Washington, USA. Discover this stunning collection today.
A Surface of Memory
The wooden table sits heavy in the center of the frame. It holds papers, books, and small, scattered objects that suggest a moment interrupted. Warm ochres and deep reds coat the tabletop, meeting a bright, cerulean blue area in the foreground that feels like a rug or floor covering. The light is even and diffused, casting no sharp shadows across the cluttered surface. Everything is soft. Thick, visible brushstrokes create a textured skin over the scene, making the objects feel tactile and present.The Intimist Eye
This oil on canvas belongs to a style that finds weight in the quiet corners of domestic life. The composition uses flattened forms and a palette of saturated colors to move away from strict realism. In the upper left, white shapes suggest figures or items without defining their edges with precision. There is no single light source to guide the eye; instead, a mosaic-like application of color builds the atmosphere. The arrangement of books and papers feels spontaneous, yet a careful balance holds the pieces together. A quiet room remains.About this artwork
- Title: Work Table
- Artist: Pierre Bonnard
- Year: 1931
- Original dimensions: 122.0 x 91.0cm
- Format: Portrait
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: National Gallery of Art
- Medium: Oil On Canvas
- Period: Modern
- Medium type: WallArt
Quick Facts
- Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington
- Dimensions: 121.9 x 91.4cm
- Notable elements or techniques: thick brushstrokes, mosaic-like color
- Movement: Post-Impressionist
- Subject or theme: domestic life, objects on a table