Auguste Renoir

Date of Birth: February 25, 1841

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 3, 1919

Biography

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, commonly known as Auguste Renoir, was a pivotal figure in the development of the Impressionist movement, which sought to capture the transient effects of light and color in everyday scenes. Born in Limoges, France, Renoir began his artistic career as an apprentice to a porcelain painter and later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His friendships with other Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Frédéric Bazille significantly influenced his work. Renoir’s early works were characterized by vibrant colors and light brushstrokes, capturing the essence of Parisian life. Some of his most famous paintings include “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette,” and “The Swing.” Despite suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in his later years, Renoir continued to paint, adapting his style to accommodate his physical limitations. He passed away in 1919 but left a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and influential painters in art history.

5 Interesting Facts about Auguste Renoir

1. Renoir’s early career involved painting designs on porcelain at a factory in Limoges.

2. He was one of the first artists to exhibit at the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874.

3. Renoir’s works often depicted scenes of leisure and social gatherings, making them popular among the bourgeoisie.

4. Despite his success, Renoir struggled financially for much of his early career and only achieved financial stability later in life.

5. He continued to paint even after rheumatoid arthritis severely limited his mobility, sometimes having brushes tied to his hands.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Auguste Renoir

1. “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.”

2. “Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.”

3. “I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black.”

4. “The work of art must seize upon you, wrap you up in itself, and carry you away.”

5. “I just keep painting because I want to learn something new.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Renoir did not have a documented net worth equivalent to modern standards. However, his paintings have since sold for tens of millions of dollars, with “Bal du moulin de la Galette” sold for $78.1 million in 1990.

Children

Auguste Renoir had three sons: Pierre Renoir (1885–1952), who became a notable actor; Jean Renoir (1894–1979), who became a celebrated filmmaker; and Claude Renoir (1901–1969), who became a ceramic artist.