Cupboard

1891–1893
Émile Bernard (French, 1868–1941)
Carved and painted wood
Norton Simon Art Foundation, from the Estate of Jennifer Jones Simon

Like Gauguin and the other Synthetists, Bernard admired folk art, particularly the crafts of Brittany. Increasingly drawn to Catholic mysticism in the early 1890s, he regarded the Bretons’ religious faith with reverence. Adorned with flowers, trees, and women picking apples in a kind of Breton Eden, this cabinet exemplifies Bernard’s desire to return art to its origins in craft, creating a beautiful and meaningful object for everyday use. Although the original purpose or source of the commission is unknown, this cabinet is likely the same mentioned by the artist’s sister, Madeleine, in her letters; it remained in the Bernard family until the 1920s.

New Research Horizons

Many aspects of this work’s physical production and assembly are the focus of current research in the Norton Simon Museum’s Curatorial Department. Although Émile Bernard designed and carved the panels himself, he likely relied on local artisans to assemble the cupboard. Ongoing study of the object’s material origins, such as the wood’s composition and the source of the brass hardware, may offer insights into the network of artists and artisans collaborating in late 19th-century Brittany. Comparisons between this cupboard and other works of decorative art by Bernard––including cabinets, frames and fire screens in other museum collections––will broaden our understanding of the artist’s technical and stylistic development as a carver.