TOW #13- Luncheon of the Boating Party

This text, labeled Luncheon of the Boating Party, was created by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1880. The artist creates a beautiful, lively painting that, in its use of light, diversity, and facial expressions, displays the changing society in France at this time and Renoir’s love for his friends. The French Third Republic was the system of government in France during the 1880s. This government brought a lot of change to the country, not just politically and economically, but socially as well. Renoir shows the modernized community through the painting by depicting his friends, all of different genders, occupations, social classes, beliefs, and more. The people of France at this time were much more open to change and diversity. People who normally would never associate with each other were becoming friends and having nice meals together, and Renoir shows in his painting. With this integration of people, the country as whole will improve in the next few years. In addition, the artist uses light to emphasize certain aspects of the painting, especially his future wife. The entire left side of the painting is more open and bright than the right side, and that is where Renoir’s future wife is sitting with her dog. This contrast in color makes the love of Renoir’s life stand out, and draws the audience’s attention to that side of the painting. Making the woman stand out by shining light on her displays the artist’s infatuation with her by pulling the entire audiences’ attention to her. Lastly, the facial expressions created by Renoir show that the society is changing because, although these people of are different descents and backgrounds, they are all still having fun. Some even seem as though they are in love, like the woman leaning on the balcony, or perhaps the man in the bottom right-hand corner looking down on the lady sitting at the table. The love and enjoyment displayed on each of the subjects’ faces show that change is positive, and that the country is able to prosper during this time of change.