The Mediterranean. Triptych 

Pierre Bonnard painted this panel from the triptych *The Mediterranean* at the turn of the century, during a period when artists turned to domestic scenes. Here we see a woman and child sitting in contemplative repose. Bonnard often focused on intimate, personal moments. These scenes celebrated the female figure, capturing the essence of everyday life and a quiet, feminine experience. But there is a charged history to such images. In the context of early 20th-century France, the representation of women and children often carried undercurrents of social expectations. While seemingly a serene snapshot, it also subtly reflects societal norms and the expected roles of women in domestic settings. Bonnard offers a glimpse into the interior lives of his subjects, inviting us to consider the personal within the public sphere. It encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, environment, and the gaze of the artist.