The Henriot Family (La Famille Henriot)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

The Henriot Family has been temporarily removed from display in the Main Gallery for technical study and conservation treatment. Funding for the conservation of this artwork was generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project. Daytrips to the countryside around Paris became a popular form of leisure during the late 19th century. Renoir alludes to this kind of activity here, presenting three well-dressed figures relaxing near a tree. The woman in the foreground is Henriette Henriot, one of Renoir's favorite models during the 1870s. At left is the artist's brother, Edmond Renoir. As with so many of Renoir's canvases from the impressionist period, the handling of paint is bold and experimental, with thinly painted passages interrupted by jarring splotches of impasto.

Source ↗