Rue le soir sous la pluie c. 1896 - 1899

Pierre Bonnard created “Rue le soir sous la pluie” with lithography during a time of significant social change in France. This work exists amidst the transformation of Paris, where cityscapes became metaphors for modern life. As we look at the piece, the subdued colors and soft focus evoke a sense of intimacy, a common theme in Bonnard's work, even in a public scene. The woman depicted might be read in terms of her gender and class. Is she a bourgeois woman, negotiating the public space of the city? How does the rain, which blurs the boundaries, challenge our reading of social identities? As Bonnard once said, his goal was to “show the invisible, to make the impalpable felt.” This print captures a fleeting moment, inviting us to reflect on the delicate balance between personal experience and collective identity. The artwork's emotional depth arises from its ability to weave together the threads of individuality, societal norms, and the ephemeral beauty of a rainy evening.