Child with Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist’s Son, Jean 1895 - 1896

"Child with Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist’s Son, Jean" is an oil on canvas painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, created between 1895 and 1896. The work depicts Renoir’s son, Jean, playing with toys alongside Gabrielle Renard, the model and future wife of Renoir’s friend, the artist, Paul-César Helleu. The painting highlights Renoir's signature Impressionist style, evident in the soft, brushstrokes and focus on capturing a fleeting moment in time. The soft lighting and relaxed pose of the figures create a sense of intimacy and warmth. The subject matter, a child playing with toys, appeals to a universal audience and embodies the innocence of childhood.