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The Phillips Collection, Washington D.C.
Credit: Fine Art/ Corbis Historical via Getty Images
“Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Renoir in Paris: One of the fathers of French Impressionism, Auguste Renoir captured scenes of Parisians enjoying everyday life. In this painting, one of his most famous, Renoir depicted a group of friends sharing lunch on a veranda overlooking the River Seine.
Who are they? For insiders, this painting displays a who’s who of Renoir’s friends: in the background, the art collector Charles Ephrussi, in a top hat, chats with the poet Jules Laforgue. In the lower right, the Italian journalist Adrien Maggiolo, in a cream-colored jacket, interrupts a conversation between the actress Angèle Legault and the painter Gustave Caillebotte.
Ooh, la la! The young woman in the foreground, who puckers up to kiss a cute little pooch, is Aline Charigot, who carried on a long affair with Renoir and eventually became his wife.
Bon vivant: The painting is a riot of colors, of fancy hats and clothes, capturing a well-heeled crowd mingling on a summer day. It's a classic example of French Impressionism, and was even heralded as “one of the most famous French paintings of modern times” upon its debut.
About Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is renowned as one of the foremost figures of the Impressionist movement. Born in Limoges, France, Renoir had a remarkable flair for capturing everyday life through his vibrant use of color and light.
Throughout his career, Renoir played a pivotal role in defining the principles of Impressionism. His ability to convey the effects of light and atmosphere, coupled with his adept portrayal of human emotions, earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. Despite facing initial challenges, Renoir's perseverance led to his eventual success, with his works becoming highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Despite battling arthritis in his later years, Renoir continued to paint prolifically, producing some of his most beloved works during this period. His enduring legacy as a master of Impressionism lives on, inspiring generations of artists and captivating audiences with his timeless portrayal of beauty and joy in art.
More works by Renoir
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