Presented By: Lauren Patton
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Pierre-Auguste Renoir
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 Born February 25th 1841 in Limoges, Haute Vienne,
France.
 A French artist who was a leading painter in the
development of the impressionist style.
 Even when Renoir’s rheumatoid arthritis severely
limited movement, and he was wheelchair bound he
continued painting.
 In a span of 60 years, Pierre Auguste Renoir executed
more than 400 paintings.
 He died December 3rd in 1919 at age 78.
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Background information
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 This painting is commonly know as “Dance at Le
moulin de la Galette”.
 It is housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and this
painting is one of impressionism’s most celebrated
masterpieces.
 This painting depicts a typical Sunday afternoon at
Moulin de la Galette in the district of Montmartre in
Paris. In the late 19th century people would dress up
and spend time there dancing, drinking, and eating
galettes into the evening.
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Technique
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 The Bal du moulin de la Galette is a typically
impressionist snapshot of real life.
 There is a richness of form, a fluidity of brush stroke,
and a flickering light.
 Oil on canvas
In depth
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 All or most Renoir’s paintings use impressionism
and most depict a realistic moment or time.
 Each one of Renoir’s paintings tells a story and in
each of the characters faces there is a story. When
you look into the eyes of each character there is real
and raw emotion.
 These paintings are not only impressionistic in
technique but they are also impressionistic in effect.
 Each painting leaves its mark and has a powerful
effect.
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