I now appreciate Renoir even more for having the courage to challenge himself as an artist and find out what he could do. The problems you describe in the later paintings are surely there - they do not offer credible human figures to a modern eye - but I’m nonetheless enchanted by the placement of these timeless female figures in the softly colored landscapes given to no classical subject.
From Renoir’s generation, the American magazine writer Bret Harte was spurned for writing a certain formula of story again and again. It seems these two artists with a specific range for their talent made different choices, both criticized. One tested himself in a different style. The other tested himself, got no traction, and returned to the style he could deliver best. I like that both of them are approachable role models - not geniuses at all they attempted, but artists finding out what they could do. Thank you for this picture of Renoir, which makes me like him.
That's a great point, Tara. We should give him credit for that - he did push himself outside of his comfort zone and sought new ways of expressing himself. Thank you for reading!
I love the mystery in Renoir's early masterpieces, where women often appear "trapped." In many of his paintings, women are surrounded by faceless men and other barriers that confine them, restricting their movement. They are frequently objectified by these men, with expressions of helplessness on their faces. In La Loge, the woman wears a dress resembling vertical prison stripes with a look of entrapment on her face.
Loved this piece—thanks for sharing, Nicole. It’s a great reminder that we shouldn’t try to fit artists into tidy categories. Their work evolved with their experiences and the influences of their time, and even if we don’t connect with every piece, understanding that journey helps us appreciate their vision.
After hearing about the "Renoir Sucks at Painting" protest movement, I took a closer look at his paintings and realized I didn't like them for reasons similar to yours here—but I love how you delve so thoroughly into his life and work and give it full consideration nonetheless. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for crystallising the nagging feeling we've always had that later Renoir is frankly overrated and more fit for a chocolate box lid than a museum
Thanks, Nicole. You made me look at Renoir differently now. Who would have thought what the "Renoir sucks" movement could do? If I think of the Renaissance painters and look back at his work, it feels like he was indeed a little bit off. But I have always loved him—I still appreciate him—and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2012 movie Renoir by Gilles Bourdos.
First time reader, loved your article on Renoir’s evolution and inability to recapture his early magic. As with other artists (authors, musicians, et.al.) some are better gifted to evolve and explore than others. Even those who don’t evolve can also go stale through age, infirmity, or loss of inspiration, and lose their audience and critical acclaim.
Part of it could have been market driven, but from what I gathered, it seemed that he really wanted to recapture the glory of the Renaissance artists. I do think that was sincere.
Sounds more like he wanted to return to skills he felt he was losing more so then going outside comfort zone…. Modernist art didn’t require renaissance level skills so now there are Ateliers committing to relearn
I now appreciate Renoir even more for having the courage to challenge himself as an artist and find out what he could do. The problems you describe in the later paintings are surely there - they do not offer credible human figures to a modern eye - but I’m nonetheless enchanted by the placement of these timeless female figures in the softly colored landscapes given to no classical subject.
From Renoir’s generation, the American magazine writer Bret Harte was spurned for writing a certain formula of story again and again. It seems these two artists with a specific range for their talent made different choices, both criticized. One tested himself in a different style. The other tested himself, got no traction, and returned to the style he could deliver best. I like that both of them are approachable role models - not geniuses at all they attempted, but artists finding out what they could do. Thank you for this picture of Renoir, which makes me like him.
That's a great point, Tara. We should give him credit for that - he did push himself outside of his comfort zone and sought new ways of expressing himself. Thank you for reading!
I love the mystery in Renoir's early masterpieces, where women often appear "trapped." In many of his paintings, women are surrounded by faceless men and other barriers that confine them, restricting their movement. They are frequently objectified by these men, with expressions of helplessness on their faces. In La Loge, the woman wears a dress resembling vertical prison stripes with a look of entrapment on her face.
That's such an interesting interpretation - and very true of the women he painted. Thank you for reading!
Mary Cassatt's quote made me laugh out loud - I am looking forward to her essay next month.
Thank you! I am excited to share that one. :)
Loved this piece—thanks for sharing, Nicole. It’s a great reminder that we shouldn’t try to fit artists into tidy categories. Their work evolved with their experiences and the influences of their time, and even if we don’t connect with every piece, understanding that journey helps us appreciate their vision.
Thank you so much, Christopher!
After hearing about the "Renoir Sucks at Painting" protest movement, I took a closer look at his paintings and realized I didn't like them for reasons similar to yours here—but I love how you delve so thoroughly into his life and work and give it full consideration nonetheless. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! I try to give the full picture to readers, so I really appreciated this. Thank you for your kind words
"It can be as instructive to analyze works one dislikes as it is to survey the works one loves" Absolute Fact. Loved this.
Thank you for reading! :)
Thank you for crystallising the nagging feeling we've always had that later Renoir is frankly overrated and more fit for a chocolate box lid than a museum
You’re not alone! Haha. Thank you for reading!
Thanks, Nicole. You made me look at Renoir differently now. Who would have thought what the "Renoir sucks" movement could do? If I think of the Renaissance painters and look back at his work, it feels like he was indeed a little bit off. But I have always loved him—I still appreciate him—and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2012 movie Renoir by Gilles Bourdos.
I'm going to have to watch that movie - thank you for the recommendation!
Glad to hear that! You won't be disappointed... I hope.
First time reader, loved your article on Renoir’s evolution and inability to recapture his early magic. As with other artists (authors, musicians, et.al.) some are better gifted to evolve and explore than others. Even those who don’t evolve can also go stale through age, infirmity, or loss of inspiration, and lose their audience and critical acclaim.
Thank you so much, Trip! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Were you inferring that Renoir’s later work was market driven and therefore sentimental ?
Part of it could have been market driven, but from what I gathered, it seemed that he really wanted to recapture the glory of the Renaissance artists. I do think that was sincere.
Excellent article. Renoir is awful!
Thank you so much! 😊
Always enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you very much!
Excellent commentary.
Thank you so much!
Sounds more like he wanted to return to skills he felt he was losing more so then going outside comfort zone…. Modernist art didn’t require renaissance level skills so now there are Ateliers committing to relearn
Going back! How wonderfully unprogressive.. especially considering much of what came next?