Study of Heads (Étude de têtes)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Renoir was fascinated by hats and their infinite array of trimmings. To quote the model-turned-painter Suzanne Valadon: "Renoir particularly loved women's hats . . . he never ceased buying lots of hats." The millinery trade was a thriving industry in Paris during the second half of the 19th century. When the vogue for hats reached its peak, Paris was home to about 1,000 milliners. Since hats represented the most variable accessory in a wardrobe, even women with moderate means owned several. In this kaleidoscopic sketch, Renoir lavished his attention on the hats, while the heads are no more individualized than mannequins.

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