Children on the Beach, Berneval

"Children on the Beach, Berneval" is an evocative print created by the celebrated Impressionist Pierre Auguste Renoir French, 1841-1919. Executed during a productive decade between 1887 and 1897, the piece is a refined example of the artist’s engagement with intaglio processes. Renoir utilized both etching and drypoint to create the subtle textures and contours visible in the warm black ink applied to ivory wove paper.

While Renoir is globally renowned for his lavish oil paintings, particularly those celebrating Parisian leisure, this work demonstrates his proficiency in graphic arts. The combination of techniques reveals a disciplined approach; the etching defines the environment and forms, while the drypoint adds velvety, rich lines through the burr created by directly scratching the plate. This precise methodology reflects the stylistic shift Renoir underwent in the late 1880s, moving toward a more classically structured drawing style compared to the looser technique of his earlier Impressionist period.

The subject matter focuses on the casual repose of children enjoying the coast of France at Berneval, a favored locale for summer retreats during the fin de siècle. Renoir masterfully captures the innocence and tranquility of the genre scene, utilizing the print medium to emphasize the interaction between light and form.

As a significant example of French printmaking, this delicate work is classified within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The lasting appeal of the subject matter and the technical quality of the prints ensure that studies like Children on the Beach, Berneval remain highly valued, especially as high-resolution images of these historic works increasingly enter the public domain.