Madame Georges Charpentier (Marguerite-Louise Lemonnier, 1848–1904) and Her Children, Georgette-Berthe (1872–1945) and Paul-Emile-Charles (1875–1895)

Auguste Renoir

Created:
Movement:
1878
Impressionism
key Notes:
Domestic elegance, Impressionist portraiture
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Dimensions:
60 1/2 x 74 7/8 in. (153.7 x 190.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children" is a painting by Auguste Renoir created in 1878. The work depicts Marguerite-Louise Lemonnier, the wife of art dealer Georges Charpentier, alongside their children, Georgette-Berthe and Paul-Emile-Charles. This painting exemplifies Renoir's interest in capturing intimate family moments and the interplay of light and color. The composition is characterized by its vibrant palette and loose brushwork, typical of Renoir's style during this period. The painting reflects the artist's focus on the themes of motherhood and childhood, which were significant in his oeuvre. It is currently housed in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exact circumstances of its commission are not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children" by Auguste Renoir, created in 1878, depicts a familial scene characterized by its vibrant color palette and soft brushwork. The composition features Marguerite-Louise Lemonnier, the titular Madame Charpentier, seated gracefully, with her two children positioned beside her. The figures are rendered with a sense of intimacy and warmth, highlighted by the interplay of light and shadow across their faces and clothing. Renoir employs a rich array of colors, particularly in the floral patterns of Madame Charpentier's dress and the surrounding environment, which enhances the overall liveliness of the scene. The background is composed of lush greenery, contributing to a sense of tranquility and domesticity. The painting exemplifies Renoir's mastery of capturing human emotion and the beauty of everyday life through his Impressionist style.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Madame Georges Charpentier (Marguerite-Louise Lemonnier, 1848–1904) and Her Children, Georgette-Berthe (1872–1945) and Paul-Emile-Charles (1875–1895)