Program Design for the Théâtre Libre

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.

March 1891

Nabi Exhibition at Le Barc de Boutteville

In March 1891 Bonnard's works were shown alongside those of other Nabis at the Le Barc de Boutteville gallery.

December 1891

Debut at the Salon des Indépendants

In December 1891 Bonnard showed his works at the annual exhibition of the Société des Artistes Indépendants.