Renoir, Pierre-Auguste (1841-1919)
La fin du déjeuner (After the Luncheon)
1879
Oil on canvas, 101 x 81 cm
Städel Museum, Frankfurt
In the arbour of a Parisian restaurant, an abundant meal is drawing to a close. The actress Ellen Andrée has taken the last sip of her after-dinner drink; lost in thought, she clings to its lingering taste. One of Renoir’s models is perched on the back of the bench and watches expectantly as the artist’s brother lights a cigarette with obvious satisfaction. There is a lull in the otherwise lively conversation. With great mastery, Renoir has captured the ephemeral impression on canvas in a seemingly spontaneous “snapshot”. (SG)
See also:
• Andrée, Ellen (1857-1925)