The Umbrellas

Renoir's Umbrellas is one of his most well-known works. He began working on this project in 1881 and finished it in 1986, which was remarkable because it took him five years to complete. As a result, numerous critics praised this work for its particular style, which mixes his gradual transition of style.

This painting depicts a crowded Parisian street scene, with most people wearing umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain. The Umbrellas is well-known for depicting two stages of Renoir's artistic career. It was done in two sections. Renoir began working on it in 1881, employing the quick brushwork and brilliant colors of Impressionism. He returned to painting in 1885, after losing interest in Impressionism, and found inspiration in classical art. The painting's left side, particularly the main female figure, has been painted in a more classical linear style with muted colors. The Umbrellas shows Renoir's significant contribution to the Impressionist manner of perception by introducing underlying structure. This paved the way for early Post-Impressionists like Paul Cezanne.

The picture The Umbrellas is currently on show in the National Gallery in London, UK.

Year: 1880–86
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimensions: 180.3 cm × 114.9 cm (71.0 in × 45.2 in)
Location: Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin