“The Daughters of Paul Durand Ruel (Marie Theresa and Jeanne)” is an oil on canvas portrait by the eminent artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, dated to the year 1882. This artwork is a notable example of the Impressionist movement and is currently housed within the collection of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The choice of medium, the portrayal of the subjects, and the distinctive brushwork all align with the principles of Impressionism, a movement characterized by a fascination with light, color, and everyday life.
The artwork captures two young girls seated outdoors. The composition is lively, with a backdrop that evokes a vibrant, sun-dappled garden. The brushstrokes are distinctly loose and fluid, a hallmark of Renoir’s technique and of Impressionist painting in general, conveying movement and the play of light across the scene. The colors are soft yet luminous, with a preference for pastel hues blending into each other.
The two figures, presumed to be Marie Theresa and Jeanne, daughters of the art dealer Paul Durand Ruel, exhibit an aura of youthful serenity and grace. The girl on the left wears a straw hat adorned with a red ribbon, complimenting the red sash at her waist. She holds what appears to be a small bouquet of flowers, possibly plucked from the surrounding garden. Her gaze, directed towards the viewer, is gentle and inviting. The other girl, slightly behind her to the right, wears similar attire and shares her companion’s serene expression, though her gaze is directed slightly away, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation.
Through the juxtaposition of vivid garden scenery and the calm presence of the young subjects, Renoir manages to capture a sense of ephemeral beauty and the fleeting moments of childhood. The intimacy of the scene is palpable, inviting viewers into a personal world where nature and human experience intertwine harmoniously.
