Aline Charigot: Renoir’s Ideal Partner

Each week for the duration of the exhibition, we’ll focus on one work of art from Renoir and Friends: Luncheon of the Boating Party, on view October 7, 2017-January 7, 2018.

Aline Charigot spent her childhood in the village of Essoyes, but came to Paris to join her mother in 1874. She probably met Renoir in 1879, when she was 20 years old. She was younger than Renoir by 18 years, entering his life as he was beginning to receive the recognition and commissions necessary to stabilize his career. They married in 1890 and had three sons. According to their son Jean’s descriptions of his mother, she was the ideal partner for his father: a generous companion who never lost her love of the countryside, and when they acquired their property in Cagnes, was ready to roll up her sleeves and work the land. She served as a regular model for her husband, and, according to Jean, all his father’s paintings of women after he met Charigot resemble her to some degree.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Young Woman Reading an Illustrated Journal, c. 1880

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Young Woman Reading an Illustrated Journal (Jeune femme lisant un journal illustré), c. 1880. Oil on canvas, 18 1/4 × 22 in. Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island, Museum Appropriation Fund

Aline Charigot is the young woman reading a journal in this intimate scene that reflects her interest in fashion, as well as her close relationship with the artist.

2 thoughts on “Aline Charigot: Renoir’s Ideal Partner

  1. I love the art of Renoir, read a lot about LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY and have the most beautiful (replica) painting of Luncheon of the Boating Party, done by an amazing artist.
    Aline Charigot featured in this scene, is the lady with the dog.
    I would love to share a photo of my replica painting.

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