Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Ambroise Vollard, Paris
Galerie Art-Mel, Paris
Private Collection, Paris (sale: Sotheby's, London, 25th June 1997, lot 125)
Private Collection, Brazil (purchased at the above sale; sale: Sotheby's, London, 8th February 2006, lot 420)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Ambroise Vollard, Tableaux, pastels et dessins de Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paris, 1918, vol. II, illustrated p. 155
Guy-Patrice & Michel Dauberville, Renoir, Catalogue raisonné des tableaux, pastels, dessins et aquarelle, 1895-1902, Paris, 2010, vol. III, no. 1984, illustrated p. 15

The canvas is lined. UV examination reveals no evidence of retouching. There is an area of surface dirt to the left part of the extreme upper edge. Otherwise, this work is in overall very good condition.
"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."

Essoyes was the birthplace of Renoir's wife, Aline, and provided the theme for many rural landscapes such as L'église à Essoyes. In 1898, he bought a house on the outskirts of the village and later built a studio. Many of the important works of his later career, not only lanscapes, were painted here. The current work is bathed in strong sunlight on what appears a crisp Spring day, painted in soft feathery brush stokes.