Etching

The subject of Le Chapeau Epingle (‘The Pinned Hat’) was depicted by Renoir in six different prints, three etchings and three lithographs. Renoir treated this scene of two young girls side by side, with one of them pinning on the other’s hat, in a series of variations at this time. His models are known to have been Julie Manet, the daughter of Berthe Morisot and niece of Eduard Manet, and her cousin, Paulette Gobillard. The scene originated from a study Pierre Renoir made while on holiday on the coast of Northern France with Berthe Morisot and her family. Julie Manet was a favourite model for Renoir and on this occasion he drew her on the beach with her cousin who was adjusting the pin on her large sun hat. Depicting a serene view of two young women posing for their portrait, this extremely delicate work expresses the beauty and elegance of Renoir's portraiture. Noted by Stella, "As the subtitle explains, Berthe Morisot's daughter, Julie Manet, and her cousin are the models for this subject." The two figures are delicately composed with detail of the hatched lines throughout the work. Seated in elegant dresses and wearing large hats with ribbons on them, the face of only one figure is visible while the other is obscured with her back to the viewer. Looking away from us in contemplation while having her hat adjusted, the left figure appears to sit back in space through the use of lighter values. With her back to us, the right figure appears as though she is closer, with more line work and stronger values throughout her hair and hat. Wonderfully executed, this work is a strong example of the impressionist reflection on life as that of light and beauty.

H 9.2 in. x W 8.25 in. x D .001 in.