From the artist's life
In old age severe rheumatoid arthritis curled Renoir’s fingers, and a brush was wedged between them (a cloth protected his palm) — but, contrary to legend, it was not tied to his hands.
Source: Wikipedia / WikimediaImpressionism
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) was a founder of Impressionism and its most joyful voice, painting sunlight, flowers and radiant, sensuous figures. His Luncheon of the Boating Party glows with the pleasure of everyday life.
Renoir insisted painting should be lovely and life-affirming; few artists captured warmth and light so seductively.
- Co-founded Impressionism alongside Monet, painting light dappling through leaves and skin.
- Famed for radiant scenes of leisure like Bal du moulin de la Galette.
- Never stopped working, painting through crippling arthritis until his death.
Key works
Where to start
Complete list of key works
Works with a dedicated ArtAtlas page are highlighted in gold.
- Bal du moulin de la GaletteOn ArtAtlas
- Luncheon of the Boating PartyOn ArtAtlas
- La BalançoireListed for reference
- The Great BathersListed for reference
- Girls at the PianoListed for reference
- Two SistersListed for reference
- The UmbrellasListed for reference
- La logeListed for reference
- Mlle Irene Cahen d'AnversListed for reference
1876
Bal du moulin de la Galette
Bal du moulin de la Galette is an 1876 painting by French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
1880
Luncheon of the Boating Party
Luncheon of the Boating Party is an 1881 painting by French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Exhibited at the Seventh Impressionist Exhibition in 1882, it was identified as the best painting in the show by three critics.