The Swing (La Balancoire) Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

Description of Pierre Auguste Renoir’s painting The Swing

The painting The Swing is dated 1876. The work of art belongs to the brush of the famous French master Pierre Auguste Renoir. The painting has the size of 92x73 cm, and with a frame 111x92 cm.

In 1877, the canvas was presented at the 3rd exhibition of impressionists. From the same year, the painting found its place in the collection of Gustave Caybotte. He was a marshal of France as well as a painter. After Gustave died, the painting became the property of the state. Since 1894, the painting was given to the Museum in the Luxembourg Garden. In the Louvre the painting came only in 1929. In the gallery of Jae de Pom "Swing" was exhibited since 1947. Since 1986 and up to now the work of art is in the Musée d’Orsay.

It is known that Renoir’s favorite model was Marguerite Legrand. It is assumed that it was she who posed the master for his famous work "Swing". On the canvas depicts a beautiful young lady who stands on a swing, with her arms around the ropes, so as not to fall. She is dressed in a white and blue dress with coquettish bows.

Facing the woman and with her back to the viewer is a man. Apparently, they are talking about something. The young man is wearing a blue jacket and a straw hat. Behind them, in the background, a group of strollers are having an animated conversation.

The left side of the canvas shows another man peering out from behind a tree. And next to him is a little blonde girl. Who is contemplating with genuine delight the charming lady riding on the swings. The child’s blank stare adds a certain charm to the story.

Renoir not stingy with bright colors and generously endowed the canvas with them. The painting is done in blue, green and white scales. The sun’s rays are breaking through the trees’ crowns, adding to the subject’s liveliness. They glare at the figures, their hats, and their clothes.