"Pierre-Auguste Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party"

Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party, Bougival, (1881. 51 x 68" The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.), a follow-up to Ball at the Moulin de la Galette of 1876, appears at first glance to be nothing more than a snapshot of a friendly social gathering of men and women enjoying a riverside meal. Interaction among the guests through conversation livens the environment. Relaxed body positioning and posture assists the artist in portraying a laissez-faire atmosphere and the setting, …

…that viewer so that we become engaged in the action. Here we join his friends taking pleasure in some of life's greatest delights, perfect weather, a day on the river, great-tasting food, the company of people you enjoy being around, and red wine. It does not commemorate a special event, but recognizes a common time and place of the late nineteenth century. It celebrates life. <Tab/> <Tab/>