The artwork “Breakfast at Berneval” is a genre painting by the French Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, completed in 1898. This oil on canvas measures 81.5 by 66 centimeters and is part of a private collection. Its creation can be situated within the Impressionist movement, which is known for its characteristic brush strokes, emphasis on the effects of light, and ordinary subject matter.
The artwork portrays an intimate domestic scene where three figures are engaged in morning activities. A woman stands near the center, dressed in a white garment that catches the natural light, giving her a gentle radiance. She appears to be attending to a table set for breakfast, with her attention delicately focused on the task at hand. By her side, a small child is depicted looking on, directed towards the woman, which may indicate a familial bond or a moment of curiosity. The composition is completed by a man seated at a table in the foreground, engrossed in reading or writing, isolated in his concentration. His downcast head and hunched posture underline a sense of absorption in his work.
The overall atmosphere is one of peaceful domesticity and the quiet mood of morning routine. Renoir’s use of soft, diffuse light and loose brushwork convey a sense of the transient moment, characteristic of the Impressionist style. The artist captures the warmth of the scene through his masterful use of color and texture, inviting the viewer to reflect on the simple beauty of everyday life.
