Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando (Francisca and Angelina Wartenberg)

Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando (Francisca and Angelina Wartenberg) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841–1919) is a significant oil on canvas painting completed in 1879. This work captures the essence of modern Parisian life and entertainment, subjects central to the artistic movement of Impressionism in France. Renoir focuses on the two young subjects, the German Wartenberg sisters, Francisca and Angelina, during a perceived moment of repose backstage or high above the ring at the famed Cirque Fernando.

Renoir utilized the spontaneous techniques characteristic of Impressionism, employing loose, visible brushstrokes to convey the fleeting atmosphere and vibrant stage lighting of the circus environment. The composition is structured to contrast the bright, textured costumes of the acrobats—particularly the vibrant pinks and golds worn by Francisca—against a darker, abstracted background that suggests the interior rigging or curtains of the tent. Francisca, prominently featured in the foreground, is rendered with a degree of structural precision in her form and gaze, while Angelina, holding a cluster of oranges used for performance, is positioned further back, emphasizing the depth of the scene.

This canvas documents Renoir’s engagement with popular culture during the 1870s and exemplifies his sophisticated control over light and color. The painting holds an important place in the history of French art, showcasing how artists turned away from academic subjects to capture the immediacy of social experience. Today, this masterwork is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to its broad recognition and art historical importance, references and high-quality prints of this Impressionist piece are widely accessible in the public domain for academic study and appreciation.