In this striking portrait, Renoir presents a remarkable psychological study of Eugène Murer, a fascinating figure of Parisian life.
The artist brilliantly captures the duality of his subject: both dreamer and man of action, artist and entrepreneur. The tight framing on the face, the meditative pose—hand supporting head—and the gaze lost in the distance create an atmosphere of contemplative intimacy. Renoir’s characteristic vaporous brushwork unfolds in the verdant background, while the more precise treatment of the face highlights the carefully trimmed reddish beard and the elegance of the attire, with the deep blue bow tie punctuating the composition. The work demonstrates the painter’s technical mastery, particularly in the subtle rendering of flesh tones and the chromatic dialogue between the warm tones of the face and the shimmering greens of the background. Eugène Murer would become a great collector, passionate about the Impressionists; he owned about fifteen of Renoir’s paintings.
Further Information
- Eugène Murer (Hyacinthe-Eugène Meunier, 1841–1906) by Auguste Renoir, 1877
- 47 × 39.4 cm (18½ × 15½ in.)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue, New York, exhibited in Gallery 821
- https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/438011
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is one of the undisputed masters of the Impressionist movement. From a modest background, he began as a porcelain painter before dedicating himself to easel painting.
His unique technique, combining spontaneity of gesture and sensuality of touch, revolutionized the art of portraiture. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects, as in this portrait of Murer, while maintaining an incomparable freshness of execution, made him one of the most sought-after portraitists of his time. His influence on modern art is considerable, paving the way for a new conception of human representation where emotion and technique merge in perfect harmony.
