Auguste Renoir, "Luncheon of the Boating Party"

   Let's stay in France for one more week, but jump up a few years.  It is now 1880 and Pierre-Auguste Renoir has just invited all his friends to be part of this gay party on the water's edge.   


    They collect at The Maison Fournaise of Chatou on the Seine River, about a 30 mile train ride from Paris, a popular gathering spot.  The contrast from last week, 31 years earlier is amazing.  Now we see specific people from several walks of life, relaxing, dining, and enjoying each other's company.  Life has changed!

   I have read that Renoir had each person model for their portrait in this group image and a quick Google search will explain who they all are.  I will tell you the woman on the left, with the dog is Aline Charigot. She was a seamstress by profession, became Renoir's frequent model, and eventually his wife.  

    The painting was an immediate success when completed in 1881 at the 7th Impressionist Show.  I have had the pleasure of seeing the original and it is a beautiful work of art.  The colors are pure, bright and pristine.  Certainly one of the greatest of the French Impressionist's paintings. 

    The composition is complex.  Look how important that canopy is topping the scene and the mens' arms at each end - all serving to enclose the group.  The rail completes an edge helping to create a huge triangle bringing our eye to the center canopy post.  

    Luncheon of the Boating Party was purchased in 1922 following the death of Paul Durand-Ruel (a collector and art dealer who supported many modern artists)  by American, Duncan Phillips.  It is now housed in his museum, The Phillips Collection. in Washington D.C.  It is considered a genre painting, meaning work of everyday life and people.  It measures 51 x 68 inches, the largest painting Renoir completed.  

  Make Art a part of your Life, it's a beautiful thing to do.   

Comments

  1. Char HarguthSeptember 9, 2020 at 8:15 AM

    This was one of the most exciting paintings to see for real in DC! There is so much to take in, but , yet, it is not overwhelming. I am amazed how he balanced the crowd, with the awning, the vertical posts, and the standing fellow on the left. I almost feel invited in to see all the details of this happy outing. The yellow tree tops in the distance suggest a possible setting sun. He seems to give each person a distinct personality, probably due to his familiarity with them. One never tires of restudying this great painting. He also gives us a fashion review of the time. It would be fun to be included in the party!!

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