La Loge
This painting was the principal exhibit of Pierre-Auguste Renoir at the first Impressionist exhibition in April 1874. It shows a trendy couple sitting in the greatest seats in the house. Renoir, like many other Impressionists, employs theater to represent the shifting dynamics of fashionable Parisian society, but he also adds intrigue through his tale.
The nicely dressed woman has lowered her opera glasses, perhaps to unveil herself to theatergoers, while her partner raises his binoculars, probably to get a better look at a lovely woman.
La Loge is considered one of the first Impressionist masterpieces.
Year: 1874
English Title: The Theater Box
Location: The Courtauld Gallery, London
