Major Exhibit of Pierre Bonnard's Work Comes to San Francisco's Legion of Honor

The period between the Impressionist and modernist movements is one of the most fascinating in European painting, a period in which Pierre Bonnard played a key role. Over 70 of Bonnard’s paintings, ranging from his early work inspired by Paul Gauguin and Japanese prints to his later focus on domestic scenes and decorative painting are currently on display at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor. The exhibit is the first international collection of Bonnard’s art on the West Coast in half a century. Curator Esther Bell joins us to discuss the exhibit and Bonnard’s evolution and legacy.

A Sampling of Works in "Pierre Bonnard: Painting Arcadia"

Pierre Bonnard, "View of the Old Port, Saint-Tropez," 1911. Oil on canvas. 83.8 x 86.4. cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Copyright 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Pierre Bonnard, "The Large Garden," 1895. Oil on canvas. 168 x 221 cm. Musée d'Orsay; Copyright 2015, 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Pierre Bonnard, "Women in the Garden: Seated Woman with Cat," 1890-1891. Distemper on paper mounted on canvas. 160.5 x 48 cm. Musée d'Orsay ;Copyright 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Pierre Bonnard, "Nude in an Interior," 1912-1914. Oil on canvas. 134 x 69.2 cm. National Gallery of Art; Copyright 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Pierre Bonnard, "The Work Table," 1926-37. Oil on canvas. 121.9 x 91.4 cm. National Gallery of Art; Copyright 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Pierre Bonnard, "Pleasure (decorative panel for Misia Edwards?s dining room)," 1906-10. Oil on canvas. 247.5 x 297.5 cm. Musée d'Orsay; Copyright 2015, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

• More: the Legion of Honor’s website