Bather seated on a rock 1892

Pierre-Auguste Renoir made this painting of a Bather seated on a rock, using oil paints and brushes. Looking closely, you'll notice the sensuous way Renoir has applied the paint. It's thick and textured, almost like the surfaces of skin and stone he's depicting. This tactile quality invites us to feel the weight and presence of the figure, grounding it in the real world. Renoir didn't simply record what he saw. Instead, he actively engaged with his materials to bring this bather to life, using brushes, paints, and his own hands. The amount of work that has gone into the production of the artwork is clear, emphasizing the materiality and physical creation of art. Considering the materials, making and context of Renoir's 'Bather' helps us question traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, highlighting the artistry inherent in the painting process.