Description
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s son Jean, seen here, served as a model for his father from a young age. Renoir so loved the “silken gold” of his son’s long hair, then in fashion for little boys, that he insisted it remain long until Jean was seven, much to his embarrassment. Jean, later a prominent film director, recalled that the children’s nanny, Gabrielle, suggested that he keep himself occupied during the modeling session for this painting by sewing a satin coat for his toy camel.
Provenance
Possibly Durand-Ruel, Paris, by Apr. 1912. [this and the following per Dauberville and Dauberville 2010]; sold to Martin A. Ryerson (d. 1932), Chicago, 1914; by descent to his wife Carrie Hutchinson Ryerson (1859–1937), Chicago, 1932 [Last Will and Testament of Martin A. Ryerson, Died August 11, 1932, copy in Institutional Archives, Art Institute of Chicago]; bequeathed to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1937.
Accession Number
25832
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
55.4 × 46.3 cm (21 3/4 × 18 1/4 in.); Framed: 68.3 × 60.1 × 6.1 cm (26 7/8 × 23 5/8 × 2 3/8 in.)
Classification
oil on canvas
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection
Background & Context
Background Story
Renoir's Jean Renoir Sewing (c. 1900) depicts the artist's son Jean, who would become the great film director, engaged in sewing. The painting shows Renoir's intimate family life, the figure rendered with the soft, warm style of his mature period.
Cultural Impact
Renoir's portraits of his children are among his most personal works.
Why It Matters
This painting of the young Jean Renoir captures a quiet domestic moment.
