Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Jean-Claude Bellier, Paris
Acquired by the grandparents of the present owner

The canvas is lined and there appear to be no signs of retouching visible under UV light. Other than some light surface dirt and a thick varnish, this work is in very good condition. Colours: The colours are deeper 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."

Paysage avec maisons was painted circa 1911 and depicts one of the Mediterranean landscapes Renoir discovered in the vicinity of his new residence in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Renoir's decision to move to the south of France in 1907 was primarily motivated by the desire to ease his suffering from arthritis, but the change of environment also provided fresh inspiration to his painting. In this work the soft brushstrokes dissolve the house into the background landscape, and the rich golds and greens reproduce the warm light of the south. Despite the growing difficulty of painting with his arthritis, Renoir continued to experiment and learn right up until the end of his career. As he commented a few hours before his death, when he requested a last canvas and painted the flowers at the window, 'I think I start to understand something'.