The artwork “Reading” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, dating from around 1889, exemplifies the Impressionist movement with its loose brushwork and vibrant play of light. The piece measures 81 by 65 centimeters and falls under the genre painting category, depicting an intimate everyday scene. It is currently held in a private collection.
In this work, Renoir captures a tender and quiet moment between two figures, which appear to be a young girl and a woman engrossed in reading a book. The soft, dappled brushstrokes create a sense of warmth and the intimate setting of the scene, while the use of bright and contrasting colors highlights the figures without compromising the harmony of the composition. Renoir’s fascination with the effects of light and his delicate portrayal of human interaction are evident in the artwork’s execution, embodying the impressionist’s interest in capturing fleeting moments of everyday life.
