Pierre-Auguste Renoir: The Source (La Source), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1875, Oil on canvas, The model here is Henriette Henriot, a minor actress who posed frequently for Renoir during his impressionist years. Renoir captures the young woman in a state of undress, perhaps having just cooled off in the river behind her; as she clutches her undergarment to her chest, one can see that the fabric is damp and clinging to her thigh. This painting would have scandalized audiences during Renoir's time. The colors, first of all, with blotches of purple falling across shoulders and legs, were jarring for audiences used to looking at smooth idealized bodies. Moreover, Renoir has depicted a real woman rather than some mythological nymph or goddess—a breach of decorum., Overall: 51 9/16 x 30 1/2 in. (131 x 77.5 cm).
Pierre-Auguste Renoir: The Source (La Source), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1875, Oil on canvas, The model here is Henriette Henriot, a minor actress who posed frequently for Renoir during his impressionist years. Renoir captures the young woman in a state of undress, perhaps having just cooled off in the river behind her; as she clutches her undergarment to her chest, one can see that the fabric is damp and clinging to her thigh. This painting would have scandalized audiences during Renoir's time. The colors, first of all, with blotches of purple falling across shoulders and legs, were jarring for audiences used to looking at smooth idealized bodies. Moreover, Renoir has depicted a real woman rather than some mythological nymph or goddess—a breach of decorum., Overall: 51 9/16 x 30 1/2 in. (131 x 77.5 cm)