A quick oil sketch portrait of the young Renoir, his Summer Scene on the bank of the River Lez, his studio with a meaningful choice of paintings hanging, then sudden death in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.
Renoir
Derived from the dull yellow-green of chromium oxide, it was widely used by Impressionists, and well into the 20th century. Less toxic, but an environmental hazard.
A natural mineral, it was unpopular in oil paint because of its coarse granules, but worked well in water-based media. It faded from use after a brief revival in the 19th century.
First imported through Venice by 1300, it became more precious than gold until it could be made synthetically from 1830. The queen of pigments.
Our ancestors went to the beach and swam there for health. They soon wrapped themselves up in clothing, though, and only in late 19th century dared to dress for the beach.
In narrative, including Degas’ ‘Waiting’, as a sign of wind, as an arc of colour, or simply to tell the viewer that it’s raining.
No public holidays, and no paid leave either. Despite that, mill workers travelled by train to the seaside in Wakes Weeks.
Mr Punch and his wife Judy, and the crocodile as acted by puppets and itinerant players, and circus clowns. Paintings by Cézanne, Renoir and others.
A deer substituted for the sacrifice of Iphigenia, as companions for the sorceresses Medea and Circe, in Bonnard’s rural idyll, Rosa Bonheur’s wildlife portraits, and others.
Paintings by Edgar Degas, John Brett, Alfred Hunt, Giuseppe De Nittis, Marià Fortuny, Renoir, Joseph Stella, and others.
The Eclectic Light Company 