Study for "Gamme mineure" and "Gamme majeure"

1891/1893

Pierre Bonnard

Associated Names
Pierre Bonnard

Artist, French, 1867 - 1947

This is a drawing of a musical composition with figures and notes. The artwork features handwritten musical annotations and figurative sketches. The lines at the top and sides are composed of musical notes and syllables. The corners and center show simple line drawings of human figures, with one scene showing an adult holding a child. The background contains handwritten text in cursive. The drawing combines musical notations, figures, and text to evoke a personal and artistic feel, resembling an artist’s sketch of a song.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with red chalk and graphite

  • Credit Line

    Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 19.6 × 27.4 cm (7 11/16 × 10 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.136.35.a

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of musical notes and figures on a staff. The central portion of the drawing depicts a large treble clef on the left side, accompanied by multiple musical staff lines extending across the background. Along these staff lines are various sketch figures that appear to represent people. The figures include what seems to be children or small caricatures and a more prominent elongated figure. Some words like "SEPTIME" and "SECONDE" can be seen integrated into the composition. The overall style of the drawing suggests a conceptual or instructional approach, perhaps relating to music theory or notations. The surrounding page is filled with scribbles and marks, adding an unfinished or spontaneous quality to the piece.

Septieme Seconde

Pierre Bonnard

1891

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Virginia and Ira Jackson, Houston; gift to NGA, 2001.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2000

  • Prints Abound: Paris in the 1890s, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000-2001, 148, 169, no. 111 (color).

Inscriptions

lengthy inscriptions in graphite

Wikidata ID

Q64619583

You may be interested in

Loading Results