The Umbrellas

Date: 1886
Medium: oil on canvas
Location: National Gallery, London, UK
Dimensions: 180.3 x 114.9

Renoir's painting depicts a busy working day on a Parisian street. The model for the central figure of the painting was Renoir's lover (and a frequent subject of his paintings) Suzanne Valadon. She picks up her clothes so she doesn't get mud on them. The man behind her is most likely accompanying her and probably also wants to offer her an umbrella. The composition of the picture is exceptional - the main plot does not take place in the center of the picture, most of the characters are not in the picture in their entirety. The umbrellas are carefully arranged, the angularity of the shapes is balanced by the hoop held by the little girl in the lower right corner of the picture. Renoir began painting the painting in 1880 and completed it in 1886, when he began to move away from impressionism and was inspired by classical art (a linear style of depicting figures). X-rays of the painting also proved that the original appearance of the main female figure of the painting was different (originally she represented a woman from the middle classes - eventually she belongs to the lower classes).

Renoir painted picture The Umbrellas in 1886. Prevailing color of this fine art print is blue and its shape is portrait. Original size is 180.3 x 114.9. This art piece is located in National Gallery, London, UK. This image is printed on demand - you can choose material, size and finishing.

Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). One of the greatest French Impressionists. He painted modestly, humbly studying the works of other painters. His paintings are spontaneous and full of loose, fine brush strokes. Courbet inspired him to depict everyday scenes of ordinary people and Corot influenced Renoir by his love of nature and the use of subtle tones. However, Renoir was most influenced by Manet, who is known for his colourfulness, small spatial depth and broad brushstrokes. Renoir’s images are direct, capturing the optimistic atmosphere of Parisian streets and cafes. His nudes are known for their purity, fineness, and the play of light on the human body. Among his best-known works are The Swing (capturing a beloved courting scene, a festive moment, full of colour and light), Moulin de la Galette (a symbol of Impressionism showing an open-air summer dance festival), Luncheon of the Boating Party (an idealized portrait of Renoir’s friends, including his future wife). The image shows the abandon of the upper classes and their leisure time. Among his prized paintings is a series of three paintings Dance in the Country, Dance in Bougival and Dance in the City (in which he masterfully painted movement and the atmosphere of dance).