Who painted Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand?

Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand was painted by Auguste Renoir in 1875.

Where can I see Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand?

Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand?

Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand

Auguste Renoir , 1875

Portrait of Mademoiselle Legrand is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Pierre-Auguste Renoir completed this oil portrait in 1875, and it now belongs to the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The work presents a young woman seated before a partially opened set of blue draperies, through which a muted beige wall and a hint of floral decoration become visible. The composition conveys a restrained, introspective mood, emphasized by the soft tonal palette.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a teenage girl with long, curly blond hair, a blue ribbon securing her hair, and a delicate blue scarf around her neck. She wears a white blouse beneath a dark dress, complemented by a gold necklace and earrings. Her hands are gently clasped in front of her, and her calm expression suggests quiet contemplation rather than overt narrative.

Technique & Style

Renoir employs a delicate handling of light, allowing the blues of the curtains and scarf to resonate across the canvas while the surrounding colors remain subdued. The brushwork is smooth, rendering the fabrics and skin with a soft focus that enhances the painting's intimate atmosphere. Subtle tonal shifts create depth without relying on stark contrasts.

History & Provenance

Created during Renoir's early career, the portrait entered the Philadelphia Museum of Art's holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century. Its provenance traces back to private ownership before being transferred to the museum, where it has been displayed as part of the institution's French 19th‑century collection.