Pierre Auguste Renoir – The Lake (sketch) Sotheby’s

The work presents a study of a lakeside scene, executed in watercolor and pencil. Here we observe a body of water occupying the lower portion of the composition, its surface acting as a mirror reflecting the foliage lining the opposite bank. The vegetation is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a dense thicket of trees and shrubs. A prominent tree on the right side dominates the view, its branches extending diagonally across the canvas, partially obscuring the reflected image in the water.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of greens, yellows, and browns, creating an overall impression of tranquility and natural light. The application of color is not uniform; washes are layered to suggest depth and variation within the foliage. A sense of immediacy pervades the work, as if captured quickly in response to the scene before the artist.
The sketch’s unfinished quality contributes significantly to its character. Large areas of the paper remain unpainted, revealing the underlying texture and allowing for a glimpse into the creative process. This lack of detail invites speculation about the intended final form of the work. The absence of human presence or any signs of civilization reinforces the focus on the natural world and evokes a feeling of solitude.
Subtly, the composition hints at themes of reflection – both literal in the mirrored water and metaphorical concerning the relationship between nature and perception. The sketch’s fragility suggests an ephemeral moment, captured with sensitivity and a keen eye for atmospheric conditions. It is likely intended as a preparatory study, demonstrating the artists exploration of light, color, and composition before committing to a more formal rendering.