47 - Bonhomme

Bonhomme MATTHIEU BONHOMME CHARLOTTE IMPÉRATRICE The Princess and the Archduke (Vol. 1), Dargaud 2018 Original plate no. 8. Signed. Indian ink on paper 34.9 × 46.9 cm (13.74 × 18.46 in.) The atmosphere is bucolic. At the very beginning of Volume 1, we witness a game of seduction between Maximilien and Charlotte. Like a bee flitting from flower to flower, the author takes us from the garden to the greenhouse, alternating between small and medium-sized panels, emphasizing the finesse and elegance of the line rather than the inking, and varying the framing—sometimes to highlight the developing relationship between the two protagonists, and other times to create a sense of suspense surrounding the gardener’s suspicious role. Note the superb work done on the princess’s expressions—sometimes surprised, charmed, or intrigued. “In panel 3, I enjoyed drawing this little scene where the two of them are under the wisteria, which brings to mind a Toile de Jouy pattern. It looks like a little vintage illustration. I wanted to give it a bucolic atmosphere, even though they are locked in a greenhouse with spies. That freshness of nature seemed to me to perfectly complement this game of seduction.” M.B.