Portrait of Ambroise Vollard

Businessman Ambroise Vollard was a prominent art trader in the early 20th century. In the latter years of his career, he supported Renoir's art and was a friend of the artist. Renoir painted multiple portraits of Vollard wearing various disguises as a way to honor their relationship. Renoir shows him in this painting inspecting a sculpture of a naked woman from antiquity, demonstrating his appreciation for both beauty and art.

The painting displays Renoir's development as a portrait painter who tried out several aesthetics over the course of his career. In the later years of his career, Portrait of Ambroise Vollard ranks among his best pieces.

Year: 1908

French Title: Portrait d’Ambroise Vollard

Location: The Courtauld Gallery, London, England