Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Private Collection (acquired in the 1950s)
Thence by descent to the present owner

 

Paris, Galerie Beaux-Arts, Chefs-d'oeuvre de Renoir dans les collections particulières françaises, 1954, no. 73

The canvas is lined. There is a thick layer of vanish through which the UV light cannot fully penetrate. There are two areas, both 1cm square, to the left of the child's lips and to the bottom right corner that fluoresce under UV light, this is possibly old retouching. Apart from some very light craquelure to the child's shoulder (visible in the catalogue illustration), this work is in good condition. Colours: Richer, deeper and less red in the original.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'I love his children paintings. I think he has the same feeling as Rubens for children, that they are a source of light. They nearly always glow in his paintings. They radiate freshness and youth. They're like little butterflies or small flowers. They're so unbelievably delicate' (Bridget Riley, quoted in Nicholas Wadley (ed.), Renoir, A Retrospective, New York, 1987, p. 377).

Fig. 1, Renoir with his wife and Claude at Le Cannet, 1902
Researched in London