Madame Monet and Her Son 1874

Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted Madame Monet and Her Son using oil on canvas, a common combination in Impressionism. Here, Renoir captured the scene with quick, loose brushstrokes that build up to create texture and movement. The thick application of paint, or impasto, gives a sense of the outdoor light, particularly on Madame Monet's dress, where the whites and creams catch the sunlight. Renoir’s technique, though seemingly spontaneous, required skill and practice. It reflects a shift away from academic painting, toward a more direct, personal expression. This new method allowed artists to capture fleeting moments and everyday life, moving away from the historical and mythological subjects that had dominated earlier art. Ultimately, Renoir’s interest in the texture of paint and the effects of light represents an important transition in art history. By focusing on the materials and techniques of painting, Renoir elevated the role of the artist as an observer and interpreter of the world around them.