Portrait of Jeanne Sisley ©1875
Portrait of Jeanne appears to be a welcome artistic collaboration for Renoir in 'The Lesson’ monogram.
The audacious location likely linked to his own initialling technique on porcelain plates at Levy Freres. Renowned Portraitist, can only have appreciated the misdirection and camouflaging techniques behind the optical illusion.
Renoir will have recognised 'The Lesson’ painting conveys renewed optimism in the Sisley family. With his close friend engaging his own children in his 'unobtrusive monogram’.
The wallpaper design indicates the Portrait of Jeanne was painted in the same room as 'The Lesson’. Renoir captures the sense of renewed confidence in the depiction of Jeanne.
She appears to be enjoying the portrait sitting with ”Uncle Renoir”. Her hair and smock have been prepared for the family occasion.
The close intimacy of the portrait recalls the artist’s 1860 portrait of his mother, Marguerite.
Berard Family Reminiscence: 1879 'Portrait of Marguerite Therese Berard’
Renoir stepped-in and completed the portrait of 'Margot’ aged five to ”cheer her up” after a piano lesson with her tutor had upset her.
Daughter of his patron friend, Paul Berard.
Sisley and Renoir: Artistic Collaboration
Renoir’s portrait depicts a much younger looking Pierre
to the studious figure in 'The Lesson’ and appears to
have been completed in the early 1870’s.
(b.19th June 1867)
Renoir captures the sense of introspective confidence in the relaxed demeanor of his close friend and artist.
Claude Monet confirmed the Impressionist Portrait of
Alfred Sisley was completed at his Argentueil residence.
During discussions about Impressionist Exhibitions.
1874 15th April – 15th May: First Impressionist Exhibition
1875 24th March: Public auction at Hotel Drouot
1876 April: Second Impresionist Exhibition
Sisley Family
Renoir knew how calamitious the impact of the Franco-Prussian War had been on the family itself.
Alfred and Eugenie lost everything at the artist’s studio in Bougival.
Alfred’s father, William, lost his 'family business’.
In 1864, Renoir was commissioned to do a portrait of the merchant.
On top of everything else, Alfred and Eugenie suffered the tragic loss of their son Jacques in February 1872 (b.Nov 1871).