Bal du moulin de la Galette

Presented By: Lauren Patton

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.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

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.

Background information

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

Technique

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.

In depth