An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Up from the Cellar (La sortie de la cave)1857
Artist: François Bonvin
French, Paris 1817–Saint-Germain-en-Laye 1887
interior, woman emerging from a doorway at left holding a large storage vessel in proper left hand and the door on her right; window with light shining through at upper right corner, water bucket to right of doorway on floor
17 1/2 × 13 in. (44.5 × 33 cm)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
19th century
Gift of Gabriel P. and Yvonne M.L. Weisberg in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Minneapolis Institute of Art
In a cozy nook of Vaugirard, just on the horizon of bustling Paris, François Bonvin found his muse amid the simplicity of everyday life. His canvases seemed to whisper the stories of women, their lives woven into the delicate rhythm of domestic chores. Imagine a sunlit kitchen where the soft glow of morning light dances across the table, illuminating a woman with a gentle determination in her eyes. With a well-worn pitcher in hand, she pours water, each droplet a testament to the silent labor of love that fills her day.
Bonvin's brush strokes captured not just the act of pouring or the delicate slicing of bread, but the essence of nurturing—a portrayal of life in its most intimate moments. In one particular painting, we see a woman fetching a container of wine; her movements fluid and purposeful, reminiscent of the fleeting yet precious seconds that make up our daily existence.
This scene feels familiar, a reflection of the inn owned by Bonvin's own father, where laughter and the clinking of glasses might echo through the walls. With a heart rooted in realism, Bonvin looked beyond the grand narratives often celebrated in art. Instead, he found beauty in the mundane, painting scenes steeped in authenticity and warmth.
Echoes of his approach resonate with the masters of the past, tracing a lineage back to the Dutch painters of the 1600s, who also embraced heightened realism and everyday activities. Like them, Bonvin held a mirror to life, reflecting the beauty of its routine with meticulous detail and compassion. In each work, he invites us to pause, to appreciate the narratives hidden within the simplicity of chores, and to see the artistry that dwells in the heart of our daily lives.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.