Pinning the Hat

Pinning the Hat, created in 1898 by Pierre Auguste Renoir and printed by the master lithographer Auguste Clot, is a sophisticated example of Impressionist involvement in fine art prints late in the 19th century. This work utilizes the demanding technique of lithography, employing five separate stones to achieve its delicate and complex color palette, encompassing black, orange, salmon, yellow, and green hues printed onto ivory laid paper.

While Renoir is globally recognized for his paintings, his print production, particularly throughout the 1890s, solidified his influence across diverse media. The choice of multi-stone color lithography reflected a significant movement in France, allowing artists to translate the vibrancy and spontaneity of oil painting into reproducible prints, thus broadening the audience for their work. The piece captures an intimate genre scene, depicting the subtle interaction between figures, a subject typical of Renoir’s mature style that favors domestic tranquility and lighthearted observation.

As a significant classification within French prints, the work testifies to the essential collaborative relationship between artist and master printer, crucial for advancing color printing techniques before the turn of the century. The skill demonstrated in this piece confirms Renoir’s mastery of graphic art alongside Clot’s technical expertise. This lithograph is held in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it preserves a key moment in the history of Pinning the Hat and printmaking. High-quality images of influential prints like this often enter the public domain, ensuring continued access and study of Renoir’s diverse graphic output.