Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the Master Impressionist
Monday, April 21, 2025
“I have a predilection for painting that lends joyousness to a wall.” - Pierre Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a French painter who lived from 1841 to 1919. Along with Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissarro, Renoir was a leader of the Impressionist movement, which just so happens to be my favorite.
Born into a family of limited means, Renoir demonstrated both artistic and musical talent at an early age. However, his family’s finances forced Renoir to give up his vocal lessons and go to work in a porcelain factory at age 13.
Throughout his youth, Renoir could often be found at the Louvre, where he would spend hours studying the artistic masterpieces on display there. Eventually, Renoir was invited to display his own works in a series of Impressionist exhibitions, beginning in April 1874, and his fame soon spread throughout the country.
A bout of pneumonia in 1882 permanently damaged Renoir’s respiratory system, and he developed rheumatoid arthritis starting in 1892. During the last 20 years of his life, Renoir continued to paint but with much difficulty. For instance, he could still hold a brush, but it had to be placed in his hand by an assistant.
Among his most acclaimed works are Two Sisters, The Dancer, A Girl with a Watering Can, Boating on the Seine, Luncheon of the Boating Party, The Swing, and Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette. Renoir also painted numerous self-portraits as well as one of famed composer Richard Wagner that he completed in just 35 minutes.
Perhaps Renoir’s quote above says it best. Whatever your God-given talent is, it should be fully maximized for His glory and the benefit of others. You and I may not be world-class artists, vocalists, musicians, or athletes, but God has blessed us with unique gifts and abilities that no one else on earth possesses… and He expects a return on that investment.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
