“The Bourgeois Afternoon or The Terrasse Family” is an exquisite example of Post-Impressionist genre painting, created by the noted artist Pierre Bonnard in 1900. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 212 by 139 cm and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays an intimate and serene scene involving individuals leisurely enjoying an afternoon together. The composition is intricately detailed, capturing various figures in a garden setting, presumably members of the Terrasse family, engaged in gentle conversation and relaxed activities. The multiplicity of human interactions within the frame, from casual conversations to moments of quiet reflection, highlights the essence of bourgeois life during that era. Notable elements include the sunlight filtering through the foliage, casting delicate shadows and bringing a sense of vitality and warmth to the scene. The use of soft, blended colors and loose brushwork is characteristic of Bonnard’s style, providing a glimpse into the tranquil and intimate moments of everyday life.
