THE LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY
This painting is one of the most famous, beautiful and popular paintings in the world. It has been reproduced countless times in all manner of art books, posters, films, ceramics, wine advertisements, and even jigsaw puzzles. It is a part of everyone’s cultural subconscious— a world treasure. Renoir started painting The Boating Party in 1880 and completed it in 1881, 5 years after completing “Moulin de la Galette”. During this period, Renoir had acquired public and critical success and made his reputation as a portrait artist.
THE SETTING
The scene is at the Restaurant Fournaise, built in 1850, on the island of Chatou, one of several islands on the Seine, 20 minutes by train from Paris. It was a popular gathering place for notable artists, writers and others.
The guests who arrived at the Restaurant Fournaise to make up Renoir’s party were his friends and supporters, all connected in one way or another with Impressionism or the Impressionists. They were an interesting mix, typical of “Gay Paris” gatherings— rich, poor, bohemian, aristocratic - from all walks of life. There are actresses, writers, businessmen, bureaucrats, and even a prostitute.
Although Barbier, the man in the center with his back towards us, had little, if any appreciation of art, he was very fond of boats, women, and Renoir, and offered to do all he could to set the stage for what sounded like a delightful project. Finally, in the summer of 1880, Renoir announced he was ready. Barbier rounded up boats, models, made reservations for the terrace of the Restaurant Fournaise, and the work began on what was to become one of the crowning achievements of Impressionism.
THE PEOPLE
Aline Charigot is in the lower left with the dog. She was radiant and possessed the “Renoir look”. She and Renoir started living together in 1882 and married in 1890.
The owner of the restaurant was Alphonse Fournaise, Sr., leaning on the railing behind Aline His daughter Alphonsine leans on the railing to his left and his son Alphonse Jr. is behind her at the far end of the terrace talking to a man in the top hat.
The woman drinking wine is Agele who was a florist in Montmarte and also a prostitute.
The man in the top hat chatting with Alphonse is Charles Ephrussi. He was a banker, art historian and editor of an art journal.
Paul Lhote is in the red-banded straw hat, in the upper right. He was a close friend of Renoir, traveled widely and a frequent model. He speaks to a highly respected actress Jeane Samary who pretends not to want to hear it.
Eugene Lestrinquez, an official in the Ministry of the Interior, looks on with amusement. Lhote and Lestrinquez can be seen among the background dancers in the Moulin de la Galette.
Ellen Andree was another actress friend of Renoir’s though less acclaimed than Jean Samary. She is seated at the right in the blue dress and ruffled lace collar.
Ellen is conversing with Gustave Caillebotte while the journalist in the blue striped yellow suit looks on. Caillebotte was a naval architect and amateur painter who exhibited with the Impressionists and championed their cause.
THE COMPOSITION
The Boating Party’s appeal and magnetism is generated from different levels. The richness of color and texture vibrates across the entire canvas. The psychological interest in the people and their social interaction captivates us. Finally, the composition and formal design is a piece of balance and engineering that draws us into the painting. Based on classical design principles, the structure is integral to the painting but hidden. The painting is divided into four sections by 2 dividing diagonals, intersecting at Barbier’s hat. Each section is balanced by the other with people and objects and use of color. Barbier’s brown hat is the apex of an inverted pyramid which anchors the surrounding action and commands the eye to enter the painting.
The Boating Party is a work that not only celebrates joy, love and conviviality, but also the art of painting itself. The original Boating Party is in the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., acquired in 1923. Dr. Singer’s recreation hangs on his mother’s living room wall. It is 90% scale, one of the largest canvases he’s done.
Oil on canvas 1993