Deux élégantes 1900

Pierre-Auguste Renoir sketched ‘Deux élégantes’ using crayon, emphasizing line and form over color. The composition presents two figures, one slightly behind the other, creating a sense of depth with minimal detail. Renoir's strategic use of line, varying from bold outlines to delicate strokes, defines the figures' contours and evokes a sense of movement and transience. The limited palette focuses attention on the interplay between positive and negative space, enhancing the figures' presence. The sketch employs semiotic elements, where the hats and dresses serve as signs of social identity. This work destabilizes traditional portraiture, moving away from exact representation towards capturing the essence of modern life through fleeting impressions. It captures a moment in time and encourages continuous interpretation.