Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Lady Simon Marks, London
Lord Sieff of Brimpton, London (by descent from the above, his aunt)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Bernheim-Jeune (ed.), L'Atelier de Renoir, Paris, 1931, vol. II, no. 458, illustrated pl. 148

The canvas is not lined and there appear to be no signs of retouching visible under UV light. This work is in good original condition. Colours: The colours are richer and more subtle in the original.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The following five paintings by Pierre Auguste Renoir are from the Collection of Sir David Sieff and have been in the Sieff family for at least 50 years. Sir David's father, Lord Marcus Sieff of Brimpton, acquired these works from his aunt Lady Miriam Marks, wife of the first Lord Simon Marks who, with Israel Sieff, built Marks & Spencer's into one of the most famous and successful retail businesses of modern times.

After 1900, Renoir and his family spent each winter and spring on the Mediterranean, staying at Le Cannet in 1902-03 and eventually settling in Cagnes where in 1907 they purchased 'Les Colettes', an old farm situated in an olive grove. John House describes the importance of the Cagnes landscape in Renoir's work at this date: "The estate provided him with his principal subjects for landscape; he focused sometimes on the panoramic view of it from the coast and the old town of Cagnes, sometimes on its ancient, twisting olive trees, and often on the old farmhouse on the estate" (John House, Renoir, London, 1985, p. 27).

The present group of works show Renoir's broad palette and free brushstroke applied in a vivacious technique that beautifully captures the ambience of the Midi region. It is in these mid-period Renoir oils that we see the artist's stunning appreciation of colour. He was a lover of landscape and obviously delighted in showing the paysage around Colettes en plein air.