Auguste Renoir, Pont Neuf, 1872, oil on canvas, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Title: Pont Neuf, Paris, 1872
Artist: Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)
Purchased by Paul Durand-Ruel
Would you like to take a walk over the Pont Neuf on a perfect day in Paris? Traditionally known as the “new bridge,” the span was actually built in the early 17th century during the reign of King Henri IV, whose statue can be seen in the right background. However, the pedestrians date from 1872, the year Renoir created the work of art.
According to the artist’s brother, Edmond, Renoir painted the work from the perspective of the upper floor of a nearby cafe, which allowed him this expansive view. Edmond himself is said to be part of the crowd, depicted not once, but twice. Do you see him, the gentleman in a straw hat carrying a walking stick in the foreground and then to the left (follow the diagonal). A number of other figures can be identified including soldiers, a variety of vendors, and even dogs, all taking advantage of the vibrant sunshine and the heavenly sky.
In the public domain, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
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