Exhibiting Renoir's distinct handling of form, this work displays a fluid, graceful quality. The nude female figure appears intently examining the grapevine at the left. The overall wash-like quality of the image lends a sense of fluid movement to the piece, which is further enhanced by the balletic placement of the figure. Renoir's soft strokes create an almost ephemeral quality, as if we are witnessing this lovely nude in a dream. Through his loosely delineated forms, Renoir still manages to capture a remarkable sense of detail. We notice the nude's face focusing on the grapevine and the subtle curves of her body that are beautifully shaded, creating a sense of contrast and volume.
Created c. 1904, this work was published in a volume of 12 lithographs entitled L'Album des Douze Lithographies Originales de Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Printed by Auguste Clot, Paris and published by Ambroise Vollard, this piece is signed in the stone 'Renoir' in the lower left. This piece is from the edition of 950 printed on vellum paper (total edition of 50 on Japan, 950 on vellum); from the second state.
