Luncheon of the Boating party by Renoir

As a bachelor in Paris, Renoir almost always ate at cafes or restaurants where he would make the acquaintance of women whom he might ask to model for his paintings.

Luncheon of a Boating Party (1880-1881), is one of Pierre Renoir's best-known works. Renoir painted his friends and his wife, the woman holding the dog, at a luncheon party on terrace.

The painting depicts a leisurely and mirthful get-together among friends. It radiates the delight that everyone in the scene seems to be experiencing: it also beautifully coveys the harmonious interaction the occasion has generated.

Some of the men in the painting are wearing straw boatman gats, indicating that they had been sailing and rowing boats.

Luncheon of a Boating Party is considered by many to be Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s greatest painting.
Luncheon of the Boating party by Renoir