Head of a Young Woman 1915

Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted this portrait with oils on canvas, using the traditional medium of fine art to capture a fleeting moment. Renoir applied his strokes with an economy of means. Look closely, and you'll see how much is suggested with so little detail. It’s tempting to see a painting like this as a window onto another world. But it is equally useful to consider the materials, and the ways in which they speak to Renoir's time. By the late 19th century, paint was manufactured industrially. Pigments like the cadmium yellow here became widely available as a result of advances in chemistry and industrial processes. These innovations democratized art making to some extent, allowing artists to concentrate on their vision. Yet, the virtuosity of the painter was still key, and Renoir was undoubtedly a master craftsman, blending tradition with a modern sensibility. By considering both materials and making, we can appreciate the art historical importance of this painting.