Bonnard (World of Art)
Watkins (Matisse, Oxford, 1985) argues for a reappraisal of Bonnard, not as the last of the Impressionists but as a formalist and decorative painter in the 20th century. Discussing his affiliation with Vuillard and the other Nabis, the author draws from the artist's work to demonstrate the influences of Gauguin, Japanese prints, and the later Degas. Withdrawing from the Paris of the 1890s into his own rich, personal, painterly iconography, Bonnard succeeded in creating intimate interiors, and his identification with his more analytical contemporary, Matisse, is apparent. Other French artists, such as Braque, whose style can be seen in some of Bonnard's still lifes, is not named, although the Cubists are mentioned as an interest. It does seem a bit stretched when Watkins implies that Bonnard influenced Monet. Overall, however, the book is well researched and contains many illustrations emphasizing Bonnard's deep involvement with color. An interesting contemporary view for art history scholars, this is recommended for academic collections.Ellen Bates, New YorkCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.