The artwork entitled “Profile of Andre Leaning Over” is an oil on canvas portrait created by the renowned Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in circa 1917. Falling under the genre of Impressionism, this piece exemplifies the movement’s characteristic use of light and brushwork to capture the essence and immediacy of the subject. The artwork is part of a private collection.
In the portrait, the spectator beholds the profile of a figure, presumably named Andre, encapsulated in a moment of repose. Renoir’s swift, dappled brushstrokes construct the tender features of Andre’s face softly, with a focus on the gentle curvature of the cheek and the downward gaze. The impressionist technique renders the figure with vivacity, as Renoir blends the flesh tones with the warm, hazy background in ochres, yellows, and hints of red, causing the subject to emerge naturally from the surroundings.
The intimate atmosphere is accentuated by the close cropping of the composition, inviting the viewer into a private world. The details of the garb are imprecisely defined, done with rapid yet deliberate touches of the brush, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination regarding textures and patterns. Renoir’s signature is discernible in the upper right corner of the canvas, confirming the authenticity and artistic authorship of this contemplative work.
