Picazzo, the crazy painter!
[a.k.a. the man who painted music while listening to paintings] [24 of 40]

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Luncheon of the Boating Party - Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1880-1882)

Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party depicts a breakfast at the restaurant La Fournaise in Chatou, a village near Bougival. The patrons are primarily sports enthusiasts, relaxing with friends after having rowed in canoes. The scene portrays various characters on the restaurant's porch, engaging in conversation after eating. This is a painting created en plein air, as the artist sketched the work right in front of the very tables. The woman in the foreground, holding a small dog, is Aline Charigot, Renoir's future wife. The light is very bright, flooding the scene with golden reflections, contrasted by the greenish tones of the background. Renoir pays close attention to colors, which, skillfully combined (warm and cool, primary and complementary, light and dark), provide volume and perspective. The work is, on one hand, rigorously constructed according to an overall vision, while on the other hand, Renoir thoroughly studies the individual forms, which appear meticulously structured. The composition is well thought out: Renoir places the figures in the space of the terrace, enclosed by a balustrade and slender iron structures that support a canopy; the table marks the diagonal cut of the image and adds depth. Although there are no contours, the figures emerge clear and distinct, acquiring a solidity and determination more classical. The motif of the balustrade separating the characters from the vegetation recurs in the works set in Chatou that Renoir creates during these years.
The resulting atmosphere is one of incredible naturalness, conveyed through the attitudes and expressions of the various characters. In depicting the table setting, Renoir presents a superb still life: there are delicate crystal glasses, fruit (in which representation Renoir took some artistic liberties, painting autumn fruits in a summer context), and finally, very naturalistic elements like crumbs of bread and the napkin laid on the tablecloth. [source geometriefluide.com]

Associated LP from 1978