Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir by Mélandri

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Renoir A Box at the Theater (At the Concert)

Auguste Renoir - The Swing - Google Art Project

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Le Moulin de la Galette

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Pierre-Auguste Renoir - Luncheon of the Boating Party - Google Art Project

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Renoir, Pierre-Auguste, by Dornac, BNF Gallica

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (25 February 1841 – 3 December 1919) was a French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. As a celebrator of beauty and especially feminine sensuality, it has been said that "Renoir is the final representative of a tradition which runs directly from Rubens to Watteau."

Early Life

Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born in Limoges, Haute-Vienne, France, to a working-class family. As a boy, he worked in a porcelain factory where his drawing talents led to him being chosen to paint designs on fine china. Around the age of 21, Renoir decided to pursue painting more seriously and sought instruction from artists such as Charles Gleyre. It was during this time that he met fellow artists Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Frédéric Bazille, who would become his lifelong friends and fellow Impressionists.

Career

Renoir's early work was typically Impressionist snapshots of real life, full of sparkling color and light. By the mid-1870s, he had broken into the Paris art scene with his works being shown in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874 and later exhibitions. His work was characterized by a focus on people in intimate and candid compositions, with a distinctive use of light and vibrant color.

In the 1880s, Renoir's style began to change as he grew tired of the Impressionist movement. He sought a more disciplined approach to form and structure, which led him to the "dry" period. During this time, he traveled to Italy to see the works of the Renaissance masters. His later work is characterized by a richer palette and more attention to detail, often focusing on female nudes and domestic scenes.

Personal Life

Renoir married Aline Charigot in 1890, who was a frequent subject of his paintings. They had three sons, one of whom, Jean Renoir, went on to become a celebrated film director. Despite suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis in his later years, Renoir continued to paint until his death. He passed away in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, on December 3, 1919.

Legacy

Renoir's contributions to art are immense. He is celebrated for his vibrant light and saturated color, especially in portraying the beauty and sensuality of women. His works are housed in museums around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Renoir left a lasting impact on the art world, influencing generations of artists to come.