Renoir And Pissarro. Different Views

About

Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro are renowned as two of the fathers of Impressionism. This major exhibition will, through their art, examine their views on society, subject matter, practice and technique. By exploring what brings these artists together and drives them apart, celebrating their similarities and differences, this show delves into what has made Renoir and Pissarro epoch-defining figures.

While emphasis is most often placed on the artistic environment shared by Renoir and Pissarro, before their paths crossed in late 19th century Paris, their artistic trajectories had already been impacted by their different upbringings. 

Renoir, who was born in Limoges and raised in Paris from age 4, had access to the art historical references of the French capital, including Delacroix and Courbet, which instilled in him a familiarity with classical subjects such as portraiture and the nude. Renoir began his artistic career as a porcelain painter, before taking an apprenticeship under Charles Gleyre, and later enrolling in the École des Beaux-Arts in 1862.

Pissarro also joined the École des Beaux-Arts, one year after his move to Paris in 1855. A Jewish immigrant born in St. Thomas, West Indies, he relocated to France after 3 years in Venezuela. There, he painted with the Danish artist Fritz Melbye, and already showed an interest in representing everyday life.