L'Enfant au pâté de sable

1888

Founding of the Nabis

Together with his friends from the Académie Julian — Sérusier, Denis, Ibels, and Ranson — Bonnard formed the Nabis group, which he later led; his passion for Japanese art earned him the nickname "the very Japanese Nabi" (le Nabi très japonard).

1888

Admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts, Meets Vuillard

In 1888 Bonnard was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts, where he met Édouard Vuillard and Ker-Xavier Roussel.

1888

First Sale: The France-Champagne Poster

Bonnard sold his first commercial work — a poster design for France-Champagne — which helped him convince his family that he could earn a living through art.

1891

Meets Toulouse-Lautrec

In 1891 Bonnard met Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

1893

Begins Life with Marthe de Méligny

From 1893 until her death, Bonnard lived with Marthe de Méligny (born Maria Boursin); she became the model for many of his paintings, including numerous nudes.

1895

First Solo Exhibition at Durand-Ruel

Bonnard's first solo exhibition — paintings, posters, and lithographs — was held at the Durand-Ruel gallery.