Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)

This slim volume by Fox focuses on a handful of paintings by Renoir rather than on his life. While there is a brief essay discussing Renoir's art and influence, the majority of the book includes plates on the right side with a discussion of the painting on the left. It is highly selective and misses more paintings than it covers.

Gaunt provides an overview of the life of Pierre Auguste Renoir and then provides 50 plates showing the artist's work. The text was a bit boring, but one can see the evolution of Renoir's painting over time. Renoir, while classified as an impressionist, transcends the genre. I learned that his hands were crippled by arthritis in his latter years and that he suffered paralysis as a result of the arthritis. It is so sad because I'd love to see what he might have created if he'd had full range show more of motion. This is an older book, but still useful for the biographical information. show less

Can't fault the art, it's a great way to introduce kids to Renoir.

And the text... well, I can take it or leave it. It sounds trite to my ears, though, so I prefer to leave it. The author's got a tin ear when it comes to rhythm, nothing seems to scan right.

The really bad part about these books is that they're cheaply made. I've had them fall apart on me while other books that we've had longer and that we read more often are in great shape.

You can't have a poor-quality board book, it just show more doesn't work. I can't in good conscience recommend these books until that little problem is fixed. show less

Monsieur Cogniat describes Renoir as "the least intellectual of modern painters". His art only expresses his own "tender and affectionate nature".
He quotes a well-known sally, which may be apocryphal: "I consider my nude finished when I feel like smacking her bottom." Nevertheless, or in spite of some crude materialism perhaps reflecting the values of a typical art dealer, the author admits that much of Renoir's work appears to serve as a series of allegories on maternal love and juvenile show more grace.

This publication in a miniature Art series presents black and white illustrations as well as 15 color plates. show less