He Had An Illegitimate Daughter

Clémence Tréhot, Lise's older sister, was a fan of the artist Jules Le Coeur and introduced her to Renoir. She was 18 when they met in 1865, and Renoir was 25. She became his inspiration and lover very quickly. Between 1866 and 1872, he painted several portraits of her, including La Promenade (1870) and Woman with Parrot (1872). During their courtship, Lise gave birth to two children, both of whom were adopted. Jeanne, unlike their son, survived childhood and even corresponded with Renoir. Renoir went to considerable lengths to keep his relationship with Lise and their daughter hidden from his friends and relatives.

Renoir covertly paid for his daughter Jeanne throughout her life, including a dowry for her 1893 wedding, by sending her money with each letter. Renoir gave Jeanne a modest pension. His family and most of his pals were unaware of her existence at the time. Renoir had two children with Lise Tréhot, according to letters discovered by researcher Jean-Claude Gélineau in 2002. Renoir's well kept secret was thus revealed to the rest of the world.