Who painted Summer Hats?

Summer Hats was painted by Auguste Renoir in 1897.

Where can I see Summer Hats?

Summer Hats is held by Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.

What movement is Summer Hats?

Summer Hats is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Summer Hats?

Museum-quality prints of Summer Hats are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Summer Hats

Auguste Renoir , 1897

Summer Hats is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1897, this oil on canvas by Pierre‑Auguste Renoir depicts a leisurely garden scene. Two young women, both clad in white dresses, pose beneath large summer hats embellished with blossoms. The composition is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s 19th‑century holdings.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of relaxed femininity in an outdoor setting, emphasizing the elegance of summer attire. The figures’ calm demeanor and the gentle gesture of the woman on the left, who holds a single flower, suggest a quiet celebration of seasonal beauty and the social rituals of leisure among the upper middle class of the period.

Technique & Style

Renoir employs a loose, impressionistic brushwork that softens forms while preserving the intricate detailing of the hats and floral decorations. A luminous palette of warm hues and subtle contrasts conveys the dappled sunlight filtering through foliage, creating a tranquil atmosphere through the interplay of light and color rather than strict chiaroscuro modeling.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Kunsthaus Zürich in the early 20th century. Its presence in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s commitment to representing the breadth of French Impressionism and provides a reference point for Renoir’s later, more decorative phase.

Context

Executed during the final decade of Renoir’s career, the canvas illustrates his shift toward decorative subjects and a lighter, more decorative palette. The focus on fashionable women in garden settings aligns with contemporary trends in French society, where outdoor leisure and refined attire became popular motifs for artists exploring modern life.