Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). One of the greatest French Impressionists. He painted modestly, humbly studying the works of other painters. His paintings are spontaneous and full of loose, fine brush strokes. Courbet inspired him to depict everyday scenes of ordinary people and Corot influenced Renoir by his love of nature and the use of subtle tones. However, Renoir was most influenced by Manet, who is known for his colourfulness, small spatial depth and broad brushstrokes. Renoir’s images are direct, capturing the optimistic atmosphere of Parisian streets and cafes. His nudes are known for their purity, fineness, and the play of light on the human body. Among his best-known works are The Swing (capturing a beloved courting scene, a festive moment, full of colour and light), Moulin de la Galette (a symbol of Impressionism showing an open-air summer dance festival), Luncheon of the Boating Party (an idealized portrait of Renoir’s friends, including his future wife). The image shows the abandon of the upper classes and their leisure time. Among his prized paintings is a series of three paintings Dance in the Country, Dance in Bougival and Dance in the City (in which he masterfully painted movement and the atmosphere of dance).