Who painted Père Fournaise?

Père Fournaise was painted by Auguste Renoir in 1875.

Where can I see Père Fournaise?

Père Fournaise is held by Clark Art Institute.

What movement is Père Fournaise?

Père Fournaise is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Père Fournaise

Auguste Renoir , 1875

Père Fournaise is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.

About this work

Overview

Pierre‑August Renoir’s oil portrait titled “Père Fournaise” was painted in 1875. The work is part of the collection at the Clark Art Institute. It presents a solitary figure seated at a table, rendered in a warm, earth‑toned background that frames the subject without distraction.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a middle‑aged man, wears a dark hat and a vest over a white shirt. He holds a spoon in his right hand while his left rests lightly on the tabletop, and a glass containing amber liquid lies before him. His gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying a quiet, reflective demeanor that suggests an intimate, everyday moment.

Technique & Style

Renoir employs loose, expressive brushwork that leaves the paint’s texture evident on the canvas. The handling of light and color is subtle, with the warm background contrasting against the darker clothing, allowing the figure’s features to emerge through soft delineation rather than precise detail.

History & Provenance

Created during Renoir’s early career, “Père Fournaise” entered the holdings of the Clark Art Institute, where it remains on display. The painting’s provenance traces back to the artist’s mid‑1870s output, reflecting his interest in portraying ordinary individuals with a dignified simplicity.