Nude painting “The Sleeping Girl” (1897) by Auguste Renoir, limited reproduction

Renoir's entire oeuvre, marked by a profound belief in the life force of nature, is evident in his luminous landscapes and sensual depictions of women. Born in Limoges in 1841, he began his career as a porcelain painter before attending the École des Beaux-Arts and discovering plein air painting under the influence of the Barbizon School. Alongside artists like Claude Monet, he experimented with the loose brushstrokes of Impressionism, creating works that capture the interplay of light and water. His later work demonstrates exceptional color brilliance and graphic skill, despite his declining health.