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 ‘Gabrielle in an Open Blouse' is an exquisite painting of an equally exquisite woman. Gabrielles long jet black hair is tenderly accented with a delicate pink flower that brings out the redness of her lips. The billowing folds of her shirt open just enough to reveal the ripeness of youth.
