Maternity, large plate

Maternity, large plate by Pierre Auguste Renoir French, 1841-1919, is a compelling example of the artist’s graphic output during his late career, dating between 1907 and 1917. Classified as a print, the work was executed using lithography, a technique that allowed the Impressionist master to explore tonal subtlety and achieve the soft, flesh-like qualities he favored in his oil paintings.

This specific piece was created from two stones, utilizing black and gray inks applied to a delicate gray chine paper. The resulting combination of hues yields rich shading and soft contours, reflecting Renoir’s mature style, which focused on classical forms and intimate portrayals. Renoir consistently explored themes of domesticity, the female form, and motherhood throughout his life. This image of Maternity, large plate reflects his enduring fascination with these subjects, rendering a tender, human moment with the warmth and sincerity that defined his aesthetic.

Produced in France, this lithograph showcases the technical skill that Renoir developed toward the end of his life, adapting his vision from painting to the more reproducible medium of the print. The dual-stone process contributes significantly to the dimensionality and depth of the piece, allowing the figures to emerge gently from the background. As an important historical document and example of early 20th-century French printmaking, this work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The creation of such prints allowed Renoir’s compositions to reach a wider audience, ensuring that the legacy of this influential artist continues globally, with many of his works available through public domain initiatives.