Dance at the Moulin de la Galette Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

Description of Pierre Renoir’s painting The Ball at the Moulin de la Galette

This was one of the most popular places in late 19th century Paris. Young and carefree people flocked here and indulged in fun: dancing, drinking, making friends. Balls were not organized often, but nevertheless regularly, and so this entertainment became popular among the common class of Parisians. It was one of these balls captured by Renoir and did it so well that the canvas was a success at the exhibition of works by the artist.

The innovation in this canvas is that it is made in a very unusual style. Just do not think that the artist something not finished drawing, and at all, some spots. It’s the sunlight that was shining on the dance floor through the trees. That’s exactly what annoyed some people at first, but then the passions subsided and everyone realized how it enlivens the picture.

It gives the impression that everything is moving: couples dancing, people sitting at the table talking, smoking. But the most interesting thing about the painting is that some of its participants, most likely on purpose, posed for the artist, especially one of the dancing couples. At that time, the camera just - just came into vogue and therefore was not so popular, but the artists were in great demand.

And most likely Renoir painted this canvas, while at the ball. But we must consider that at that time the artist was no longer young, so maybe it all and drew attention.

And by the way, the sketches, he almost never painted, that is, he worked immediately, without looking and thinking. This is risky, of course, because you never know what you are supposed to paint and what is going to come out of it. But it almost always turned out great.

At least, this canvas is one of the ten best works of Renoir and at auction is quite expensive.

And here’s another thing: thanks to Renoir, we can know how young people were having fun at the time. Balls were the most wonderful pastime. Almost fabulous.