Original lithograph in 10 colors on Ingres D'Arches paper with MBM watermark. Signed on the stone, "Renoir" lower right. An impression from the definitive state, from the edition of 200. In excellent condition with full margins, framed with museum quality conservation materials.

Image size: 23” x 19 1/2”; Framed: 45 1/2” x 41 1/2”
Catalogue reference: Delteil 38.

The great Impressionist master, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, was mostly known for portraying romanticized intimate portraits or snapshots of common life and the subject matter of his prints did not differ from his paintings. He created slightly over fifty original etchings and lithographs during his lifetime. However this impression of “Enfants Jouant à la Balle” from the definitive state, printed in 10 colors is considered to be Renoir’s best.

Original lithograph printed in black ink on vellum paper. Signed on the stone, "Renoir" lower right. Impression from the edition of 950 on vellum aside from the edition of 50 on Japon paper. From "L'Album des Douze Lithographies Originales." Published by Vollard, Paris. In excellent condition, framed with museum quality conservation materials.

Image size: 11 3/4" x 9 3/8"; Sheet size: 12 7/8" x 9 7/8"
Catalogue reference: Delteil 38.

The great Impressionist master, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, was mostly known for portraying romanticized intimate portraits or snapshots of common life and the subject matter of his prints did not differ from his paintings. He created slightly over fifty original etchings and lithographs during his lifetime, one of which is this portrait of the young artist and friend, Louis Valtat.

Due to developing rheumatoid arthritis in the early 1900's, Renoir moved to warmer climates in the south of France near the Mediterranean coast.   Louis Valtat, a painter from the town of Dieppe in Normandy, sought out the renowned Impressionist artist while living in the same town. During his early career, Valtat was greatly influenced by Renoir's more traditional Impressionist style.   Between 1900 and 1905, Valtat and his wife, Suzanne, would visit Renoir several times by bicycle in the hills of Anthéor, France where both Renoir and Valtat lived at the time.

Renoir also introduced Valtat to one of the most influential art dealers of the early twentieth century, Ambroise Vollard.   Renoir eventually convinced Vollard to sign a contract to buy all of Valtat's work over the span of ten years.   Renoir acted as a mentor and inspiration to the young Valtat, who went on to become a successful artist in the post-Impressionist and Fauvist styles.