The artwork titled “Summer” is a portrait completed by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1875. Renoir, a notable artist associated with the Impressionism movement, executed this work using oil on canvas. The painting is a quintessential example of the impressionistic style characterized by the movement, which favored representations of light and color over precise detail. Currently, this masterpiece is part of a private collection.
The artwork portrays a young woman seated in what appears to be a lush outdoor setting, perhaps a garden. The background is laden with a profusion of flowers, rendered in a vibrant palette that captures the feel of summer. The woman, dressed in a dark garment with lace embellishments at the sleeves and neckline, lends a note of sophistication to the scene. Her attire contrasts with the lively colors of the flora, emphasizing the lightness of the season. Renoir’s brushwork is loose and fluid, allowing the viewer’s eye to blend the colors from a distance, a hallmark of Impressionist technique. The subject’s expression is one of gentle repose, with her gaze softly directed away from the viewer, inviting contemplation on the viewer’s part. Her relaxed posture and the overall composition of the piece evoke a sense of leisure and the serenity of warm summer days.