Of all the Impressionist artists, only Pierre Auguste Renoir earned distinction as a professional portrait painter. This sumptuously illustrated book is the first devoted exclusively to Renoir's portraiture, gathering examples of the portraits he painted during each period of his prolific career. 370 illustrations, including 80 color plates.

"Produced by Museo Nacional del Prado in association with the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, in conjunction with an exhibition at the Prado, 18 October 2010-6 February 2011"--T.p. verso.

Beloved Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir left a vibrant legacy that influenced the life and films of his son, the acclaimed director Jean Renoir. The Impressionist paintings of Pierre-Auguste Renoir are characterized by portraits and lively episodes from daily life. These joyful scenes influenced the life and work of his son, filmmaker Jean Renoir, who Orson Welles described as “the greatest of all directors.” This catalogue—and the traveling exhibition it accompanies—demonstrates how Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s artistic practice and creative universe influenced Jean’s art, and how Jean’s films shed new light on his father’s paintings. Focusing on leitmotifs in both artists’ works, this volume commingles paintings, drawings, films, costumes, photographs, and ceramics. Contributions from the Barnes Foundation, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Cinémathèque Française provide in-depth insight.

Sixty color-ready illustrations of timeless treasures by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters include works by Cassatt, Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Sargent, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and others.

Reprint. Originally published: New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1984.

Renoir made two journeys to Algeria, in 1881 & 1882. He was the only Impressionist to paint Orientalist themes, but this aspect of his work has been little studied. This book places Renoir in the unfamiliar context of the French Orientalist tradition.