Renoir in the Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation is home to the world's largest collection of paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a Philadelphia scientist who made his fortune in pharmaceuticals, established the Foundation in 1922 in Merion, Pennsylvania, amassing 181 works by Renoir between 1912 and 1942.

All of these Renoirs are included in this lavishly illustrated and authoritative book. The selective section presents sixty-four large, major or particularly representative paintings in full-page reproductions. Each is accompanied by an annotated discussion of at least one page by one of the authors and, usually, a number of comparison illustrations. The thematic section reproduces the remainder of the collection in smaller format (one, two, or three to a page), gathered into such categories as Nudes, Figures in Landscape, Children, with each category prefaced by a brief essay.

Authors, Martha Lucy and John House tell the story of Barnes's obsession with the Impressionist master's late works, while offering illuminating new scholarship on the works themselves.  Also included is a bibliography, chronology of exhibitions, index of works and section setting out details for each painting such as the original title, provenance, prior exhibitions, references, marks and inscriptions, and technical notes. 

Highly recommended for all students and lovers of Renoir.

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