This rare and whimsical 1895 poster by Pierre Bonnard was created as a special supplement to La Revue Blanche, the influential French literary and artistic magazine of the fin-de-siècle. Titled Nib Carnavalesque, this double-sided print is not only a poster but a unique collaboration between Bonnard and writer Romain Coolus, blending poetry and visual art into a humorous and satirical celebration of Parisian carnival culture.
Printed by the renowned Imprimerie Chaix, the piece features Bonnard’s lively, spontaneous linework illustrating fantastical characters, masked faces, and animated parade scenes—all surrounding Coolus’ playful verses “Au bal de l'Opéra” and “Parade.” The composition unfolds like a visual poem, reflecting Bonnard’s early interest in Japanese prints, caricature, and the theatricality of modern life.
This work is catalogued as Bouvet 32 in the artist’s catalogue raisonné and is considered a landmark of Bonnard’s early graphic output. As a member of Les Nabis, Bonnard was central to the transformation of the poster into a modern art form, elevating it beyond advertising into the realm of personal expression and aesthetic innovation.
Delicate, witty, and highly evocative of the Belle Époque spirit, Nib Carnavalesque stands as a testament to the creative interplay of literature and illustration in avant-garde Paris.
Original Poster
Press - Show - France
Printed on both sides, text by Romain Coolus - Bouvet 32
Good condition, trace of folds, one tear
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