Full-Length Portrait of Jeanne Samary - Pierre
- Original dimensions
- 105 x 174 cm
- Museum
- Hermitage Museum
- Year
- 1878
Scene depicted
The painting features a striking Jeanne Samary, an actress of the time, painted full-length, dressed in a delicate gown that highlights her elegance. Renoir immortalizes movement and lightness, the canvas vibrating under the weight of texture. Light plays around her, enhancing details such as the silky reflections of her dress, while a blurred background suggests a lively Parisian atmosphere.
Historical context
This painting is emblematic and was created by the master Impressionist Auguste Renoir at the end of the 19th century, during the height of the Belle Époque in France. At that time, visual art was evolving, moving away from academic conventions to embrace fleeting impressions and plays of light. Currently housed at the Hermitage Museum , this masterpiece is a true testament to the creative boldness of its time, measuring 105 x 174 cm, a format conducive to the expression and dramatic presence of its subject.
Place in the artist's career
This masterpiece is a pivotal work in Renoir's career, revealing the artist's mastery of light and color. Compared to works such as Le Déjeuner des canotiers and La Grenouillère, Portrait de Jeanne Samary en pied represents a maturation of his style, combining expressiveness and realism , while remaining true to the Impressionist movement that saw him emerge.
Anecdote
“The beauty of a soul is read in the eyes.” Renoir's inspiration for this painting is said to have arisen during a sunny walk in the heart of Paris. That day, he crossed paths with the enchanting gaze of Jeanne Samary, a luminous face penetrating the shadow of an alley. This fleeting moment nourished the evocative power of the painting , capturing an essence of femininity and timeless grace.
Major exhibitions
Salon of 1879