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A Rare Glimpse into Renoir's Hidden World of Drawings
The world of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the most celebrated impressionist painters, has long been dominated by his iconic oil paintings. However, a new exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York is shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of his artistic practice: his remarkable drawings.
More than 100 works on paper, including pastels, watercolours, and prints, are on display for the first time in over 100 years. The exhibition, which runs until February 8th, offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Renoir's skills as a draftsman and artist outside of his signature medium.
According to Colin Bailey, director of the Morgan and curator of the show, "because they are works on paper, they are not exhibited permanently in any institution." This allows visitors to access a wider range of Renoir's work, including pieces that were previously unseen or underappreciated.
The exhibition takes the viewer through the arc of Renoir's life and career, from his early days as an artist to his later years, when he became increasingly fascinated with the female nude. A highlight of the show is a stunning pastel portrait of his friend and fellow artist Paul Cézanne, which showcases Renoir's deep connection to his peers.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is its use of chronological order. The works are grouped by decade, providing a fascinating insight into how Renoir developed as an artist over time.
The show also features a number of intimate late-period studies of Renoir's wife, Aline, and their young sons, capturing familial warmth with characteristic sensitivity.
A poignant conclusion to the exhibition is the plaster sculpture "The Judgement of Paris", which was created in collaboration with sculptor Richard Guino after arthritis severely limited Renoir's use of his hands. This work demonstrates Renoir's resilience and resourcefulness as an artist.
As Bailey notes, drawings offer a unique window into an artist's creative process, revealing the germ of ideas that would eventually become paintings. The exhibition also highlights the fragility of these works, which are often stored in museum collections or private archives, making them harder to access.
In short, Renoir Drawings is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and the creative process. By shedding light on this lesser-known aspect of Renoir's artistic practice, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on one of the most beloved artists of all time.
The world of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the most celebrated impressionist painters, has long been dominated by his iconic oil paintings. However, a new exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York is shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of his artistic practice: his remarkable drawings.
More than 100 works on paper, including pastels, watercolours, and prints, are on display for the first time in over 100 years. The exhibition, which runs until February 8th, offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Renoir's skills as a draftsman and artist outside of his signature medium.
According to Colin Bailey, director of the Morgan and curator of the show, "because they are works on paper, they are not exhibited permanently in any institution." This allows visitors to access a wider range of Renoir's work, including pieces that were previously unseen or underappreciated.
The exhibition takes the viewer through the arc of Renoir's life and career, from his early days as an artist to his later years, when he became increasingly fascinated with the female nude. A highlight of the show is a stunning pastel portrait of his friend and fellow artist Paul Cézanne, which showcases Renoir's deep connection to his peers.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is its use of chronological order. The works are grouped by decade, providing a fascinating insight into how Renoir developed as an artist over time.
The show also features a number of intimate late-period studies of Renoir's wife, Aline, and their young sons, capturing familial warmth with characteristic sensitivity.
A poignant conclusion to the exhibition is the plaster sculpture "The Judgement of Paris", which was created in collaboration with sculptor Richard Guino after arthritis severely limited Renoir's use of his hands. This work demonstrates Renoir's resilience and resourcefulness as an artist.
As Bailey notes, drawings offer a unique window into an artist's creative process, revealing the germ of ideas that would eventually become paintings. The exhibition also highlights the fragility of these works, which are often stored in museum collections or private archives, making them harder to access.
In short, Renoir Drawings is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and the creative process. By shedding light on this lesser-known aspect of Renoir's artistic practice, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on one of the most beloved artists of all time.