A landmark exhibition dedicated to Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s works on paper is set to open at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York. Titled “Renoir Drawings,” this show will feature over 100 pieces, including pastels, watercolors, prints, and a sculpture. It marks the first time in more than a century that a New York institution has focused an entire exhibition on Renoir’s drawings.
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to see the Impressionist master's work beyond his well-known oil paintings. It aims to reveal a different side of Renoir, highlighting his sensitivity and artistic range across various mediums.
Key Takeaways
- “Renoir Drawings” opens October 17, 2025, at The Morgan Library & Museum.
- The exhibition will feature over 100 works on paper, including pastels, watercolors, and prints.
- It is the first show of its kind in New York in over a century.
- The presentation is a collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
- Visitors can see preparatory studies alongside finished paintings.
A Century in the Making: Renoir's Works on Paper
The last dedicated exhibition of Renoir’s works on paper took place in Paris in 1921. This makes the upcoming show at The Morgan Library & Museum a significant event in the art world. The exhibition is co-organized with the Musée d’Orsay, a prominent art museum in Paris. After its run in New York, the collection will travel to the Musée d’Orsay next summer.
Colin B. Bailey, the director of the Morgan Library & Museum and curator of the exhibition, emphasized the importance of this collection. He stated,
“Renoir’s drawings reveal an artist of tremendous sensitivity and range.”This perspective challenges the common perception of Renoir, often primarily associated with his vibrant oil paintings.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: October 17, 2025 – February 8, 2026
- Location: The Morgan Library & Museum, New York
- Number of Works: More than 100
- Mediums: Pastels, watercolors, prints, and one plaster sculpture
Exploring Renoir's Artistic Evolution
The exhibition covers Renoir’s entire career, showcasing his development from student years to his later life. Visitors will see a wide array of works, including academic figure studies from his early training. These pieces demonstrate his foundational skills and classical influences.
Beyond academic studies, the collection includes quick, spontaneous impressions of city life. These works capture the energy and everyday scenes of his time. There are also intimate sketches of his wife and children, offering a personal glimpse into his domestic life and relationships. These private studies often served as inspiration for his more public works.
Preparatory studies for some of Renoir’s most ambitious canvases are also on display. These drawings provide insight into his creative process and meticulous planning. They show how he developed ideas and compositions before applying paint to canvas.
Key Highlights and Notable Pairings
One of the exhibition's central attractions is the Morgan’s large-scale sketch for The Great Bathers (1886–87). The museum acquired this significant drawing in 2018. It will be shown alongside the finished painting, which is on loan from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Additionally, seven other related drawings will accompany this pairing, providing a comprehensive look at the genesis of this important work.
The Great Bathers
The Great Bathers is one of Renoir's most famous paintings, depicting female nudes in a landscape. It is known for its classical composition and vibrant colors. The inclusion of preparatory sketches alongside the final canvas offers a unique educational experience, illustrating the artist's journey from concept to completion.
Another popular piece, Dance in the Country (1883), receives similar treatment. It will be presented with its own suite of preparatory works. These pairings effectively demonstrate Renoir’s method of approaching a subject from multiple angles. He often explored different compositions and details through drawings before making a final commitment to a painting.
Renoir's Adaptability: Illustrations and Sculpture
The exhibition also highlights Renoir’s work in illustration. It includes his contributions to Émile Zola’s novel L’Assommoir and the periodical La Vie moderne. These works underscore his versatility and how he adapted his artistic style for the printed page. His ability to translate his vision into different formats showcases his broad artistic capabilities.
In a poignant section, visitors will encounter The Judgment of Paris (1914), a plaster sculpture. This piece was created in collaboration with Richard Guino. It holds particular significance as it was made after severe arthritis had affected Renoir's hands, limiting his ability to paint. The sculpture represents his enduring dedication to art despite physical challenges.
Artist's Resilience
Renoir suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis in his later years. Despite the pain and limited mobility, he continued to create art, often tying brushes to his hands. The Judgment of Paris is a powerful testament to his artistic perseverance.
Engaging Public Programs
To complement the exhibition, The Morgan Library & Museum has planned a series of public programs. These include concerts and talks designed to deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of Renoir's work. Experts will discuss various aspects of his art and life, providing additional context and insights.
A watercolor workshop is also scheduled. This interactive program encourages participants to engage directly with artistic creation, drawing inspiration from Renoir’s techniques. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore their own creativity, much like Renoir himself continued to create despite his physical limitations.
The exhibition “Renoir Drawings” runs from October 17, 2025, through February 8, 2026. It promises to be a comprehensive and insightful exploration of a lesser-known but equally profound aspect of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's artistic legacy.
