The elegant and natural beauty of Renoir

Author: Dester
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: "To me, a painting should be something cute, pleasant, and beautiful," Renoir once said. Over a career spanning over fifty years and thousands of works, this humble painter, who believed that painting was "for decorating walls," captured the elegant demeanor of the figures in his paintings through the impressionist light. From The Mill on the Grasse Street, Luncheon on the Boat, Bathers, to countless portraits of friends, collectors, sponsors, especially women, young girls, or little girls, the author narrates how Renoir, with his vibrant brushstrokes, transformed the ordinary into the magical. "The work The Mill on the Grasse Street is a complete portrayal born from deep observation and a bright atmosphere; the dazzling scene of an outdoor gathering—dancing, laughter, sunlight, dust—faces filled with excitement, poses of casual naturalness—on a certain beat, the pink, light blue, deep blue, and dark skirts suddenly turn, then stop— amidst passion, there is mystery, desire, joy, and weariness—those poor heroines with delicate faces, affectionate gestures, and frivolous attitudes, lively or languid, express hope, intoxication, indifference, and countless boredom."