Bather c. 1885

Pierre-Auguste Renoir made this drawing of a bather, using red chalk, likely at some point in the late 19th or early 20th century in France. It’s a quick sketch, an intimate glimpse into the artist's process, far removed from the grand, finished canvases often displayed in the Salon. But even in this casual study, we can see the influence of academic tradition, particularly the emphasis on the nude as a subject worthy of artistic exploration. Renoir walks a line between tradition and modernity. The sketch invites us to consider the role of art institutions at the time, such as the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and their lasting impact on artists. Renoir received training from the system, which both propelled and confined artists. Understanding such a work requires us to delve into the social and artistic debates of the time. By examining exhibition records, critical reviews, and artists' letters, we can gain a richer understanding of the institutional forces that shaped Renoir's artistic vision.