Exhibition "Girls at the Piano" by Auguste Renoir

On October 9, 2020, at 12:00, the Kaluga Museum of Fine Arts (104 Lenina St., Exhibition Hall) will host the grand opening of the exhibition Girls at the Piano by Auguste Renoir from the State Hermitage collection.

The exhibition introduces the work of the outstanding French impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841 - 1919). Numerous works of this master are presented in a number of the largest museums in the world, including the State Hermitage.

Whatever genre the artist turns to - be it a portrait, landscape or everyday scene - he invariably conveyed the beauty of modern life. The focus of Renoir’s attention was a modern person, presented most often in moments of relaxation - in the theater, in the garden, on the terrace of a cafe, in the company of his relatives and friends. If you try to define in one word the main thing that Renoir showed in his heroes, then it will be the word "poetry". Renoir also looked at nature. The banks of the Seine, the corners of an overgrown garden, paths in the grass - all these unremarkable, suburban motifs are conveyed by the artist with such truthfulness and quivering tenderness that one can almost physically feel the shine of the sun, and the swaying of grasses, and the blue of the sky.

One of the most charming, subtle and truly national artists, Renoir did not accidentally find his true vocation, portraying children and young girls. His paintings are compositions full of grace and charm, praising the best and everlastingly beautiful sides of life - youth, beauty, grace, spontaneity and freshness of feelings.

The painting “Girls at the Piano” from the Hermitage collection (c. 1892) depicts two young girls bending over the keys of the instrument. They look closely at the notes, as if they are learning a new melody. The heroines are so passionate about their occupation that they do not notice anything around. A certain transparency and iridescence of colors characteristic of Renoir, muted warm pastel colors give the canvas a feeling of complete mental concentration of girls, their deep immersion in the world of gentle sounds.

Auguste Renoir (who himself was well versed in music and, moreover, had a beautiful voice) addressed the topic of music-making more than once. Working on the plot "Girls at the Piano", the artist performed at least six variations of a similar composition. One of the versions, signed by the author and of particular artistic value, is on display at the Hermitage exhibition.

The exhibition Girls at the Piano by Auguste Renoir from the State Hermitage Collection was organized within the framework of the 2015 Cooperation Agreement between the Kaluga Region and the State Hermitage. The holding of the annual Hermitage exhibitions is always accompanied by a special program "Hermitage Days in Kaluga" and an extensive educational program including scientific and educational events, thematic excursions and creative activities.

The exhibition will run from October 9, 2020 to January 10, 2021 at the address:
st. Lenin, 104. Telephone for inquiries: 56 28 30