Renoir (Basic Art)

by Peter H. Feist

One of the leading lights of the Impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) remains a towering figure in art history with enduring public appeal. Sun-kissed, charming, and sensual, his work shows painting at its most lighthearted and luminous, while championing the plein air and color innovations of his time. Renoir’s oeuvre was prolific, with some several thousand works in his lifetime. Much influenced by forerunners such as Courbet, Degas, Manet, Delacroix, he worked with contemporary peers such as Monet to explore fresh uses of color and brushwork, rendering texture and depth with different-hued daubs. Drawn to intimate and tender human scenes, his subjects include lovers, mothers, and numerous nudes. As his career progressed, Renoir investigated different styles and techniques, shifting away from the feathery Impressionist touch to a more robust, classical corporeality, sometimes called his “Ingres period,” and later to monumental pieces such as The Bathers. From the abundant output of his lengthy career, this essential artist introduction selects key Renoir works to explore his innovations in the art of painting, as much as his traditions in pursuit of beauty, harmony, and the female form.

96 pages, Hardcover

Published July 29, 2016

Reviews

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a fascinating biography about one of the most important painters of Impressionism,Pierre.Feist manages to capture both the artist's personal life and his artistic evolution, providing deep insight into his creative process and chalenges. The author offers a mix of detailed artistic analysis and historical context, making the book not only interesting for art aficionados, but also for those interested in the cultural history of the period. Feist does not limit herself to describing his works, but also explores the social, political, and personal influences that marked Renoir's life and style, including his relationship with other artists and his evolution towards the use of brighter colors and more sensual forms. One of the book's strengths is how Feist manages to make the complexity of Renoir's work accessible, analyzing his methods and the transformation of his technique over the years. In addition, the author also shows how Renoir struggled with his health problems, which adds a human layer to the narrative.