Provenance
Possibly Ambroise Vollard (1867–1939), Paris [Art Dealers’ Association of America to B. E. Bensinger, Dec. 30, 1969 and Dauberville and Dauberville, 2007]. Purchased jointly by M. Knoedler and Company, New York, and French Art Galleries, New York, Mar. 7, 1949 [M. Knoedler and Company, stock card WCA1119 and stock book p. 122. M. M. Knoedler and Company Records, circa 1848–1971, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, acc. no. 2012.M.54, box 17]; sold by M. Knoedler and Company, New York, to T. Edward Hanley (1894–1969), Bradford, Pa., May 10, 1949 [M. Knoedler and Company, stock card WCA1119, and stock book p. 122. M. M. Knoedler and Company Records, circa 1848–1971, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, acc. no. 2012.M.54, box 17]; T. Edward Hanley to E. V. Thaw and Company, New York [According to Patti Tang of E. V. Thaw and Company, the drawing passed directly from T. Edward Hanley to E. V. Thaw and Company]; sold to Benjamin E. Bensinger (1905–1976), Chicago, Mar. 9, 1967; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1969.
The Descent from the Summit: Jean Martin Steadies Hélène, the Banker’s Daughter (Illustration for Edmond Renoir’s “L’étiquette”) (recto); Half-Length Sketch of a Woman (verso)
1881
Accession Number
113794
Medium
Black chalk (recto and verso) on ivory laid paper (discolored to tan)
Dimensions
49.2 × 31.9 cm (19 3/8 × 12 9/16 in.)
Classification
conté crayon
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Bensinger
Background & Context
Background Story
Renoir's double-sided drawing illustrates a story by his brother Edmond, showing a descent from a summit on one side and a sketch of a woman on the other. The drawing shows Renoir's narrative abilities and his quick draftsmanship.
Cultural Impact
Renoir's illustrative works show the range of his artistic practice.
Why It Matters
This double-sided sheet captures Renoir's narrative draftsmanship.
