Stone with Three Sketches (La Pierre au trois croquis) from Twelve Original Lithographs by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Douze lithographies originales de Pierre-Auguste Renoir)

Stone with Three Sketches (La Pierre au trois croquis) from Twelve Original Lithographs by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Douze lithographies originales de Pierre-Auguste Renoir) is a compelling example of the artist’s significant contributions to the graphic arts late in his career. Created around c. 1904, the print is part of a celebrated portfolio commissioned by the dealer Ambroise Vollard, although it was not formally published until 1919. This collection represents Renoir’s deep exploration of the lithographic medium.

Unlike his contemporaries who sometimes used lithography purely for reproductive purposes, Renoir utilized the medium to achieve the characteristic softness and warmth that defined his mature painting style. The technique employed here showcases a skillful handling of tone and texture, allowing the French master to convey form and light with a sensitivity usually reserved for oil on canvas. The specific subject matter, suggested by the title, points toward a meta-examination of the creative process itself, possibly depicting preliminary figure studies or compositional ideas drawn directly onto the printing stone. This self-referential focus offers valuable insight into the working methods Renoir employed during this highly productive period.

The period of c. 1904 marked a time when Renoir, focused on classical forms and the female nude, began refining his late style. These prints were pivotal in solidifying his reputation outside the field of painting. The 1919 publication ensured these important graphic works reached a wider audience, positioning the artist as a vital figure in early 20th-century French printmaking. This particular impression of Stone with Three Sketches is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it contributes to the museum’s extensive holdings detailing the trajectory of modern prints and illustrated books.