Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Bal du moulin de la Galette

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Bal du moulin de la Galette, 1876, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) Oil on canvas, Paris, Musée d’Orsay, image source Google Arts and Culture

Masterpiece of Early Impressionism

This painting is doubtless Renoir‘s most important work of the mid 1870’s and was shown at the Impressionist exhibition in 1877. Though some of his friends appear in the picture, Renoir’s main aim was to convey the vivacious and joyful atmosphere of this popular dance garden on the Butte Montmartre.

The study of the moving crowd, bathed in natural and artificial light, is handled using vibrant, brightly coloured brushstrokes. The somewhat blurred impression of the scene prompted negative reactions from contemporary critics.

This portrayal of popular Parisian life, with its innovative style and imposing format, a sign of Renoir’s artistic ambition, is one of the masterpieces of early Impressionism.

Quote from Google Arts and Culture

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Renoir at Musee d’Orsay

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13 Comments Add yours

  1. Ah, my favorite artist of all time! The sunlight in his work kept away the darkness of my teenage years. Today, reprints of his work hang on the wall above my work-desk.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I remember the reference in your story, Rosaliene. Renoir is a special favorite here, also. Thanks for visiting! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. From our present perspective, it is difficult to understand why the Impressionists were viewed w/ such disdain. A painting such as this is so full of life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, Anna, and I confess that some of them are my favorites now. The fact that they upset the mainstream apple cart makes me like them even more..Perhaps there is a bit of rebellion beneath my bright yellow bonnet (?) lol…… Thanks for commenting 😎

      Liked by 1 person

  3. vibrant festive gala leaves a never diminishing impression. Love it

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I couldn’t resist stopping by again to take in the beauty of this painting. It still continues to make my heart sing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is how I feel, too, Rosaliene. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Tanya's avatar Tanya says:

    I’m very fond of impressionist painters, so much vibrancy and exuberance of color, esp. Renoir is a genuis. I’ll admit sometimes I don’t enjoy modernist and post modernist works.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agree about Renoir – andI love the impressionists, too. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I just find the French impressionists and the Dutch masters intriguing and so gifted.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Admittedly, I am partial to them! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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