Renoir and Love

Auguste Renoir was long known as "the painter of happiness." Yet, behind his colorful guinguettes scenes and popular dances lies a much deeper vision of modernity. From March 17th to July 19th, 2026, the Musée d’Orsay will bring this unknown aspect of the Impressionist master to light. Far from being simply a celebration of joy of life, his paintings reveal an unseen force: love. This sentiment does not limit itself to human relationships, it guides the artist's gaze on every model and landscape. By rejecting melancholy then in vogue at his time, Renoir proposes a vibrant painting where affection becomes an engaged act. This selection of major works proves that beauty and optimism can be as bold as irony or disillusionment.