La Musique (two paintings) Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

The presented pair of works establishes a dialogue through visual repetition and subtle variation. Each panel is vertically oriented, resembling narrow canvases or decorative panels, framed by an ornate border composed of stylized foliage and cartouches. The overall effect suggests a deliberate integration into architectural space, perhaps intended for a salon or private residence.
Here we see two young women, each positioned centrally within their respective frame. They are depicted in full-length poses, clad in flowing gowns that suggest a period of elegance and refinement. The color palettes differ slightly; the figure on the left is rendered against a warmer background with her dress exhibiting creamy tones, while the woman on the right stands before a cooler backdrop, her gown displaying delicate pink hues.
The women are engaged in musical performance. One plays a stringed instrument resembling a guitar, her gaze directed downwards as if concentrating intently on the music. The other holds a tambourine aloft, her expression suggesting a more playful and animated engagement with the sound she produces. This contrast in demeanor hints at different facets of musical experience – focused creation versus joyful participation.
Above each figure floats an angel, seemingly suspended within a circular medallion. These figures are rendered in soft pastels, their actions mirroring the music below; one appears to be playing a horn, while the other holds what seems to be a lyre or similar stringed instrument. The presence of these celestial beings elevates the scene beyond mere portraiture, suggesting divine inspiration and the transcendent power of music.
Below each woman is a mask – one depicting a smiling face, the other a grimace. These masks introduce an element of duality and ambiguity. They could represent the contrasting emotions evoked by music – joy and sorrow, comedy and tragedy – or perhaps allude to the capricious nature of fate itself. The repetition of these motifs across both panels reinforces this sense of balance and opposition.
The composition’s verticality emphasizes a sense of aspiration and grace, while the decorative border lends an air of formality and refinement. The work as a whole conveys a celebration of musics ability to evoke a range of emotions and connect the earthly with the divine.