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Rarely has a world been so detached from the struggles of urban life as seen in Pierre-Auguste Renoir's drawings, now on display at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. This rare exhibition, the first in over a century devoted entirely to Renoir's works on paper, brings together more than 100 of these lesser-known pieces that reveal the artist's diverse range and innovative techniques.
From delicate pastel portraits of his friends and family members to lively studies of Parisian and rural life, these drawings showcase Renoir's unique ability to capture the beauty in everyday moments. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of color, Renoir's works on paper are not only beautiful but also revealing of his artistic process.
Born in Limoges in 1841, Renoir grew up in Paris and began his career as an artist decorating porcelain. However, it was his influence from fellow artists such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet that helped define the impressionist movement. By the late 1860s, Renoir had established himself as a prominent figure in the art world, experimenting with a brighter palette and lighter touch that set him apart from other artists of his time.
Among the many standout works on display is a rare pastel portrait of his friend Paul Cézanne, highlighting the close relationship between these two influential artists. This piece, along with several others, showcases Renoir's ability to capture the essence of those around him through his drawings.
However, it was not just his portraits that demonstrate Renoir's skill as an artist but also his preparatory work for some of his most famous paintings. The exhibition features a suite of drawings related to The Great Bathers, a monumental painting created during a period when arthritis severely limited Renoir's use of his hands. This remarkable series of studies not only showcases the artist's resilience but also highlights the importance of drawing in his creative process.
In a rare display of collaboration, Renoir worked with sculptor Richard Guino on The Judgement of Paris, a plaster sculpture that serves as a poignant reminder of the artist's adaptability and innovative spirit. This work is just one example of how drawings helped Renoir explore new mediums and techniques throughout his career.
The last comprehensive exhibition devoted to Renoir's drawings was held at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris in 1921, making this exhibition a long-overdue opportunity for audiences to discover the full range of this artist's works on paper.
Renoir Drawings is now on display until February 8th at the Morgan Library & Museum, inviting viewers to delve into the world of this artistic genius and appreciate the beauty and skill that Renoir brought to his drawings.
From delicate pastel portraits of his friends and family members to lively studies of Parisian and rural life, these drawings showcase Renoir's unique ability to capture the beauty in everyday moments. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of color, Renoir's works on paper are not only beautiful but also revealing of his artistic process.
Born in Limoges in 1841, Renoir grew up in Paris and began his career as an artist decorating porcelain. However, it was his influence from fellow artists such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet that helped define the impressionist movement. By the late 1860s, Renoir had established himself as a prominent figure in the art world, experimenting with a brighter palette and lighter touch that set him apart from other artists of his time.
Among the many standout works on display is a rare pastel portrait of his friend Paul Cézanne, highlighting the close relationship between these two influential artists. This piece, along with several others, showcases Renoir's ability to capture the essence of those around him through his drawings.
However, it was not just his portraits that demonstrate Renoir's skill as an artist but also his preparatory work for some of his most famous paintings. The exhibition features a suite of drawings related to The Great Bathers, a monumental painting created during a period when arthritis severely limited Renoir's use of his hands. This remarkable series of studies not only showcases the artist's resilience but also highlights the importance of drawing in his creative process.
In a rare display of collaboration, Renoir worked with sculptor Richard Guino on The Judgement of Paris, a plaster sculpture that serves as a poignant reminder of the artist's adaptability and innovative spirit. This work is just one example of how drawings helped Renoir explore new mediums and techniques throughout his career.
The last comprehensive exhibition devoted to Renoir's drawings was held at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris in 1921, making this exhibition a long-overdue opportunity for audiences to discover the full range of this artist's works on paper.
Renoir Drawings is now on display until February 8th at the Morgan Library & Museum, inviting viewers to delve into the world of this artistic genius and appreciate the beauty and skill that Renoir brought to his drawings.