Description:As one of his most famous works, this intimately detailed etching is a stunning example of Renoir’s ability to translate his impressionist talents through an etched medium. This dancing couple not only evokes movement and action, but an inherent quality of life and happiness which can be felt through the expressions on their faces.
This soft-ground etching, created in c.1890, is pulled from the only state of this print. Renoir had created a drawing of these same subjects which was made about 6 years prior, in 1883. This print features a strong plate mark and a nice, bold impression on cream-colored paper with deckle edges on all sides.
Danse à la Campagne features 2 characters who Renoir often look to for inspiration: his brother, Edmond Renoir and his companion, Suzanne Valadon. Both appear to be caught up in their dance, so much so that one could almost hear the music emanating from the print. The folds of her gown follow her every move, gracefully etched by Renoir to the last detail. Renoir depicts his brother with a wistful and intent gaze, making us fall just as much in love with Suzanne as he. It is both romantic and energetic, making this piece one of Renoir’s most treasured prints.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work):
1) Delteil, Loys with Alan Hyman, ed. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Etchings & Lithographs: Catalogue Raisonné, San Francisco, 1999. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 2 on pgs. 4-5.
2) Stella, Dr. Joseph G. The Graphic Work of Renoir, Catalogue Raisonné, London. Listed as cat. no. 2 and illustrated as plate no. 2. Also listed on the title page folio as Etchings, no. 2.
3) Lugt, Frits. Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d’Estampes – Supplément, San Francisco, 1988. Signature stamp listed and illustrated as cat. no. 2137a on pg. 315.
About the Framing:
This work is set in a beautiful, Baroque gold moulding that gracefully complements this marvelous work. Its intricately carved detailing serves to accent Renoir’s ornate composition, echoing the movement and fluidity of Valadon’s skirt. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching, gold inner fillet, this work is set behind a Plexiglass cover; all materials used in framing are archival to ensure lasting quality.
