Pierre Auguste Renoir
Born – Limoges, France 1841
Died – Cagnes, France 1919
Renoir is often criticized and dismissed as a “chocolate-box” painter of frivolous themes, using the techniques of the Impressionists to depict the light-hearted scenes of contemporary life. However, his importance lies in his skilful, innovatory use of a rainbow palette, which discounted the inclusion of black, to interpret his subjects. This he does with a fresh, sincere feeling for beauty, light and sparkling colours, often portrayed under the effects of dappled sunlight. At the age of thirteen Renoir was a porcelain painter, an occupation which, no doubt, influenced the decorative, charming qualities of his canvases. These underwent considerable stylistic change during his life-time. By 1870 he was a leading member of the Impressionists, unusually focusing on figure compositions. The gaiety of crowds at social gatherings was his forte. Les Parapluies took a number of years to realize, comprising a range of handling and fashions dating from slightly different periods. The movement set by the rhythm of the umbrellas is grounded by the little girl’s gaze meeting ours. The composition is further balanced by the rather pensive young woman with the band-box.
Masterpieces:
- At the Moulin De La Galette
- The Bathers
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Books About pierre auguste renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1841-1919: A Dream of Harmony (Taschen Art Album)
Peter H Feist
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Pierre Auguste Renoir (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)
Mike Venezia
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101 Things To Know About Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Gina Meyers
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