Description:One of Renoir's favored graphic motifs, this image depicts two female figures juxtaposed with sensuous grape vines. The artist fluid handling of the brush offers a visceral sense of motion which activates the work.
Created circa 1904, this work is an example of the second state of this image. Printed by Auguste Clot, Paris, this piece is signed by Renoir on the stone in the lower left. From the Vollard Suite, the work is printed on vellum paper indicating that the work is from the edition of nine hundred and fifty. This work was published in a volume of 12 lithographs entitled, l'Album des Douze Lithographies Originales de Pierre Auguste Renoir (Paris, A. Vollard, 1919).
Renoir is recorded as stating "the simplest subjects are eternal. A nude woman getting out of the briny deep or out of her bed, whether she is called Venus or Nini, one can invent nothing better" (Raeburn, 263). The artist's adoration of the female figure is well documented in his frequent portrayal of the nude figure, yet this image offers a delicate and personal variation on the theme. With this image the artist places the figure in a grape vineyard rather at her toilette or bathing en plein air. The notational quality of this work captures the frenetic energy of artist inspiration.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).
1) Delteil, Loys, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Etchings and Lithographs, 1999, listed as image 47 on page 100-101.
2) Stella, Dr. Joseph G., The graphic Work of Renoir, illustrated and listed as #47.
3) Roger-Marx, Claude, Les Lithographies de Renoir, listed as image 22.
4) Johnson, Una, Ambroise Vollard Editeur, 1944, book listed as cat. no. 151 on pgs 129 and 130.
5) Johnson, Una, Ambroise Vollard Editeur, 1977, book listed as cat no 118 on pgs 146 and 147.
About the Framing:
Displayed in a wonderful gold on dark wood frame, the image is set behind a custom-designed stepped matt with matching gold inner fillet, enhancing the linear elements of the work and framing the artists signature. The black on gold detailing on the inner section of the moulding accents the black on white contrast of the work. Completed with a white linen matt, this archivally framed piece emanates grace and beauty.
