Chapeau Epingle

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Chapeau Epingle, 1898
Lithograph
910108

Julie Manet, the daughter of Berthe Morisot the famous impressionist painter, and Eugene Manet, the brother of Edouard Manet was a favorite model of Renoir in his later years. “Le chapeau epingle” is a superb example of the artist’s delicate control of the line even at an advanced age. While many people identify Renoir as primarily a colorist, his delicate use the etching needle in this print testifies to his mastery of this medium

What makes “Le chapeau epingle” such an important print in Renoir’s oeuvre, is that it contains the key elements so often found in his best work; the young girls, the special moment, the soft gestures of the hands and faces, and the wonderful Belle-Epoque hats.