The artwork titled “Madeleine Leaning on Her Elbow with Flowers in Her Hair” is a masterful creation by the French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, completed in the year 1918. Crafted in oil on canvas, this piece reflects the romantic style and spontaneous brushwork that are hallmarks of the Impressionist movement. Measuring 50.17 cm in height and 41.28 cm in width, the portrait is a captivating depiction of its subject and, according to records, currently resides within a private collection.
The portrait shows a young woman, identified as Madeleine, resting her head gracefully on one elbow. Her gaze is soft and contemplative, directed away from the viewer, as if lost in thought. Her attire, finely rendered in Renoir’s characteristic loose and vibrant brushstrokes, suggests a relaxed elegance. The fabric seems to drape casually over her form, giving the impression of soft, flowing material. Shades of light play across her dress, indicating the intricacy and movement that are so often associated with Renoir’s technique.
Adding to her charm, flowers adorn her hair, providing a touch of color that echoes the warmth of the composition. The flowers are depicted with rapid, gestural strokes, imparting an almost ephemeral quality. The background is executed in a typical Impressionist manner with a mix of hazy and undefined brushwork which allows the figure to emerge as the focal point of the painting. Renoir’s signature can be discerned at the bottom right, providing authentication of the artist’s hand in this intimate and evocative representation of Madeleine.
