Painting “Umbrellas” by Auguste Renoir – a masterfully created illusion of black

“Umbrellas” is a painting by the world-renowned genius Auguste Renoir, depicting the hustle and bustle of people on a rainy day on a Parisian street. In the work, the author combined elements of two arts – fine and photographic. From the point of view of painting, the picture impresses with its virtuoso work with color, and the photographic quality is expressed in the realism and immediacy of the scene.

In the foreground is a tired girl with a basket, her gaze is directed directly at the viewer, which adds to the image of realism. The long dark dress of the heroine is made according to the fashion of 1886. On the right side of the picture is a young mother who calls her children to her. Her clothing follows the fashion trends of 1881.

In the center of the composition is a woman under an umbrella. Looking around, she looks at a pretty little girl with a hoop with a slight smile. It is this baby that conveys the emotional state of the author. Her charming face, childish openness, naivety and spontaneity attract the attention of the audience.

In the background, human figures are covered by many umbrellas. Their monotony in form and color creates a feeling of an endless routine that kills feelings and the desire to create. The artist put a special meaning into the work: the vanity, shown by him through a cluster of identical umbrellas, absorbs the life and energy of people. The coloring of the work is characterized by the saturation of contrasting colors and shades.

Author: Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919).
Year of writing: 1881-1886
Size: 180 x 115 cm.
Style: Impressionism.
Genre: Household.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: National Gallery, London, UK.

Auguste Renoir – an amazing master of painting, graphics and sculpture

He is known to the world as a bright representative of impressionism. The artist’s masterpieces are distinguished by the effective use of the method of fractional strokes and filigree work with color. The painter began to create a picture shortly before his trip to Italy, where he lived from 1881 to 1882.

In the images of a girl with a basket and young people in the background, one can feel the influence of the classical style with its strict forms and symmetrical proportions. Umbrella domes also have a distinct contour, creating incredible volume and dynamics.

The painting “Umbrellas” by Auguste Renoir is a colorful work, one of the most original and harmonious works of the painter. The masterpiece is full of lively details and accurately conveys the mood of a bygone era.