The Descent from the Summit: Jean Martin Steadies Hélène, the Banker’s Daughter (Illustration for Edmond Renoir’s “L’étiquette”) (recto); Half-Length Sketch of a Woman (verso) 1881

This charcoal drawing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, titled "The Descent from the Summit: Jean Martin Steadies Hélène, the Banker’s Daughter (Illustration for Edmond Renoir’s “L’étiquette”) (recto); Half-Length Sketch of a Woman (verso)," depicts a man helping a woman down a hill. The drawing, which serves as an illustration for Edmond Renoir's "L'étiquette," demonstrates the Impressionist's style, characterized by its loose, gestural lines and focus on capturing a fleeting moment in time. The piece, housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Renoir’s artistic versatility, showcasing his mastery of both figure drawing and illustration.