Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Claude Monet, Giverny

Michel Monet, Giverny (inherited from the above)

Private Collection (by descent from the above and sold: Sotheby's, London, June 24, 1996, lot 27)

Acquired at the above sale

Ambroise Vollard, Tableaux, pastels et dessins de Pierre Auguste Renoir, Paris, 1918, no. 309, illustrated p. 78

Guy-Patrice & Michel Dauberville, Renoir, Catalogue raisonné des tableaux, pastels, dessins et aquarelles, vol. II, Paris, 2009, no. 1483, illustrated p. 497

Very good conditon overall. The sheet is attached to the mount by five pieces of double-sided tape on the verso. Two pieces on either top corner, and three pieces along the bottom edge (left and right corner and center margin). The sheet is slightly time-stained. There are mat burns along all extreme edges that encroach between 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch (0.2 to 0.4 cm), A 3/16-inch (0.3 cm) vertical tear is visible at the extreme upper right corner. A faint water stain that measures approximately 1 by 2 inches (2.5 by 5cm) is visible at the lower left corner. Several very small nicks and losses are apparent along the left edge of the sheet. The sheet is framed "floating," exposing all edges to the viewer.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

As pillars of the Impressionist movement, Renoir and Monet maintained a close professional and personal relationship.  The two artists met in 1861 while studying at Charles Gleyre's studio in Paris.  Over the years, they developed similar working methods, preferring to paint en plein air during excursions to the forest of Fontainebleau, along with fellow artists Bazille, Pissarro and Sisley.  In 1874, these artists staged an exhibition together that drew the attention of various critics, one of whom referred to their expressive application of pure color onto canvas as Impressionism.  Forever after, Monet and Renoir would be known as the fathers of this revolutionary style.

By the time Renoir drew this picture of Monet, the two artists had ceased exhibiting their work with the original Impressionist group.  They both had already attained considerable commercial success, and Renoir in particular was now regarded as the most sought-after portrait painter in Paris.  This beautiful rendering of Monet is one of Renoir's most detailed and intimate portraits, exquisite testimony familiarity between the these two Titans of the avant-garde.