Renoir Drawings

This  is the first major English-language catalog devoted to Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s works on paper, offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process beyond his iconic Impressionist paintings. Published in collaboration with RMN–Grand Palais, the Musée d’Orsay, and The Morgan Library & Museum, this richly illustrated volume accompanies a landmark exhibition that brings together more than 110 drawings, pastels, watercolors, prints, and select paintings.

The catalog explores how Renoir used drawing as a central part of his practice, from academic studies and compositional sketches to intimate portraits and spontaneous impressions of daily life. Thematic sections trace the evolution of his draftsmanship over five decades, revealing how he interpreted the human figure, landscape, and urban scenes with increasing fluidity and emotional depth.

In-depth essays and case studies examine Renoir’s preparatory work for major canvases, his relationship with fellow Impressionists, and his enduring fascination with the female form. The publication also includes new research on materials and techniques, as well as a previously unpublished selection of personal sketches.
This art catalog is an essential resource for scholars, collectors, and admirers of Impressionism, offering a fresh perspective on Renoir’s artistry through the lens of his most intimate and experimental medium.