Auguste Renoir
Pierre Auguste Renoir was a leader in the Impressionist movement of the 19th century. Early in his career, Renoir adhered to the Impressionist standard, but by the mid 1880’s he became focused with the more disciplined formal techniques of painting. Renoir’s popularity was highly influenced by his love of all things beautiful. His subjects included pretty children, flowers, gorgeous landscapes, and above all lovely women. This is exemplified by his quote, `Why shouldn't art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.' Renoir’s ‘The Perusal of the Part' renders an intimate scene among friends. The young girl charmingly dressed in vivid azure is carefully listening to a play as a young gentleman is practing his lines.