The skiff

Several of the elements associated with Impressionism, such as fashionable women and boats, may be seen in this artwork. Similar to the topic selection, Renoir's use of color and painting style are hallmarks of the Impressionist movement. The orange of the boat and the blue of the water make for a striking contrast in the artwork. Renoir uses a complex network of strokes that are sharp in the foreground but softer for the trees in the background to portray the shimmering dance of light. Renoir is most likely seen gazing at the Seine River near Chatou in the scene, though this cannot be said with absolute confidence.

It is characteristic of the imagery that has come to define Impressionism, and Renoir includes several well-known Impressionist elements in this bright scene on the Seine, including stylish people, a rowing boat, a sailboat, and a steam locomotive crossing a bridge. Although the precise location is unknown, we are likely looking at the river at Chatou, which was a well-liked spot for recreational boating and is located about ten miles west of center Paris.

In the same way that Renoir's subject matter is distinctly Impressionist, so is his style of painting. By avoiding black and earth tones and utilizing brilliant unmixed paint straight from the tube, he conveys the feeling of summer heat and light.

In placing the bright orange boat against the dark blue water, Renoir has deliberately used complementary colors, which become more intense when seen alongside each other.

Location: The National Gallery, London, England
French Title: La Yole
Year: 1875