The Source 1875

Pierre-Auguste Renoir created this painting, called "The Source," with oil paint, a traditional medium that can be bought in a tube, ready-mixed, and allows for nuanced tones. Renoir was an Impressionist, which meant that he wasn’t so concerned with the labor involved in creating the painting or the lives of those depicted in the artwork. Rather, this movement focused on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, aiming to evoke a sense of beauty and pleasure in the viewer. Renoir builds up the painting with loose brushstrokes, a process which enhances the impression of a vibrant and sensual scene. The texture of the brushstrokes is crucial in conveying the dappled light filtering through the trees, and the soft, luminous quality of the woman's skin. It is important to remember that materials, making, and social context are all essential to our understanding of the full meaning of an artwork, as they blur the boundaries between fine art and craft.