Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Acquired circa 1950-60 by the present owner

Bernheim-Jeune, ed., L’Atelier de Renoir, vol I, Paris, 1931, illustrated no. 257
Guy-Patrice et Michel Dauberville, Renoir, catalogue raisonné des tableaux, pastels, dessins et aquarelles, vol. III, Paris, 2010, no. 1752, illustrated p. 50 (left section of illustration)

The canvas is relined. Under UV light, a few tiny spots of retouching fluoresce in the lower left corner, with two dots along the lower edge and a hairline stroke to the left of the fruit. Otherwise this work is in 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."

"With Renoir, it is the sensual element in art that predominates," Christian Zervos once wrote, and his observations can very well be applied to Renoir's compositions of fruit. "With form and construction having become for him ends in themselves and the feeling of sensuality being the very essence and the whole of his work, Renoir often managed to give new expression to things which, on their own, were devoid of character"  (Christian Zervos, "Is Return to Subject Matter Likely?," 1931, reprinted in Renoir, A Retrospective, New York, 1987, p. 311). 

Renoir's still-lifes are some of the most sensually appealing compositions of Impressionist art.  Rendered with the artist's characteristically soft palette and light touch of his brush, his compositions capture the aromatic beauty of each succulent piece of fruit.  As was the case for many Impressionist painters, Renoir did not need to rely on the trompe l'oeil techniques that had been utilized by artists for centuries in order to render his still-life so convincingly. Instead, he drew upon his own creative ingenuity and his initial impressions of the image, rendering it with extraordinary freshness, sensitivity and life. These deceptively simple still-lifes revitalized this age-old subject with an Impressionist flair and inspired Paul Cézanne's investigation of this very theme.

Though Renoir executed the canvas in a controlled, staged environment, spontaneity and a sense of freedom invigorate the present composition. The work is animated by the vibrant colors and theatrical light which illuminates the fruits and creates dramatic shadows. The bright colors of the sun-ripened peaches seem to glow against the simple white tablecloth where they are carefully gathered.