The lesson 1906

Pierre-Auguste Renoir likely made this painting, "The Lesson", sometime in the late 19th century with oil on canvas. Renoir was part of the Impressionist movement, concerned with capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere; but it is interesting to consider his engagement with materiality too. Look at the way the textures of the girls' dresses are rendered: not with precise detail, but with a flurry of brushstrokes that suggests the softness of fabric, the play of light on its surface. You can see how Renoir uses his brush, with touches and dabs, to mimic textures and forms. This technique creates a sense of immediacy, as if the scene were captured in a moment, which was an important value in Impressionism. The painting embodies a moment in time, and this value is heightened by the texture of the surface. Ultimately, Renoir's approach to materials and making adds depth to our understanding of this artwork, blurring the lines between observation and interpretation.