Claude Renoir, the Artist's Son, in Profile

Claude Renoir, the Artist's Son, in Profile is an etching created by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1908. This delicate print depicts the artist's youngest child, Claude (nicknamed "Coco"), shown in a highly contemplative profile view reminiscent of classical portrait medallions. The work stands as a poignant example of the intimate subjects Renoir pursued late in his career, as he turned increasingly toward his family for inspiration.

While globally recognized for his luminous oil paintings, Renoir frequently explored various printmaking mediums, finding the etching process particularly suitable for rendering these sensitive, low-key studies. Created in France when the artist was already facing significant health challenges, the work’s execution is meticulous yet soft, emphasizing the pure outline and form of the youth’s face rather than the textural effects typical of earlier Impressionism.

The subject, Claude Renoir (1901-1969), served as a recurrent and beloved model for his father during the final decades of the artist’s life. This specific profile, with its focus on the clear line and definition, aligns with long-established traditions of French draftsmanship, demonstrating Renoir’s enduring connection to the rigorous academic foundations underlying his revolutionary approach to color. As a formally rigorous yet deeply personal portrait, the piece highlights the artist's commitment to capturing the fleeting moment of childhood grace.

This original print is housed within the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Works documenting the private life of the celebrated master, and demonstrating his versatility across mediums like etching, are frequently shared globally. Prints of this work are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to Renoir’s late output for both scholars and the general public.