Continually inspired by themes of maternity, intimacy, and domestic joy, Renoir created universally beloved paintings praised for their virtuoso brushwork and shimmering light effects juxtaposed with human-scaled scenes of daily life.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was one of the central artists of the Impressionist movement celebrated for depicting modern Parisian leisure activities and female beauty using vibrant palettes and softly modeled forms. Greatly inspired by 18th century masters like Boucher and Fragonard, Renoir captured the joie de vivre of Parisian middle class entertainment from intimate luncheons to boisterous dances populated by ruddy-cheeked mothers, children, and romantic couples. As he matured, Renoir moved away from directly Impressionistic works toward timeless portraits, many featuring his favorite model Aline Charigot who later became his wife. Continually inspired by themes of maternity, intimacy, and domestic joy, Renoir created universally beloved paintings praised for their virtuoso brushwork and shimmering light effects juxtaposed with human-scaled scenes of daily life. Despite suffering paralysis later in life, he continued to paint by strapping brushes to his hands.