Artwork
Woman with Rose
Woman with Rose is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1910, this oil work by Pierre‑Auguste Renoir depicts a seated woman adorned with a pink‑white rose tucked into her reddish‑brown hair. The composition is held by the National Museum of Western Art, where it forms part of the museum’s collection of early twentieth‑century French painting.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is presented in a three‑quarter view, her gaze directed toward the left, lips slightly ajar, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The rose, a traditional symbol of femininity, is positioned prominently in her hair, adding a decorative focal point that balances the muted tones of her attire.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs a soft, impressionistic approach characteristic of Renoir’s late period. Visible brushwork creates a textured surface, while the background dissolves into blurred washes of brown, red, and blue, allowing the figure’s form and the floral accent to emerge with subtle clarity.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the canvas entered private ownership before being acquired by the National Museum of Western Art. Its presence in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s focus on showcasing pivotal works from the development of modern Western art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born on 25 February 1841 in Limoges, the son of a tailor and a seamstress.
