The Descent from the Summit: Jean Martin Steadies Hélène, the Banker’s Daughter (Illustration for Edmond Renoir’s “L’étiquette”) (recto); Half-Length Sketch of a Woman (verso)

The detailed drawing The Descent from the Summit: Jean Martin Steadies Hélène, the Banker’s Daughter (Illustration for Edmond Renoir’s “L’étiquette”) (recto); Half-Length Sketch of a Woman (verso) was created in 1881 by the French master, Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). Executed primarily in black chalk on laid paper, which has since aged from ivory to a soft tan hue, this specific work served as an illustration for L’étiquette, a serialized novel written by the artist’s brother, Edmond Renoir.

The recto side of the sheet captures a dramatic moment consistent with 19th-century narrative fiction, showing the titular characters, Jean Martin and Hélène, navigating a treacherous terrain. Renoir’s careful handling of the chalk medium highlights the figures’ posture and the precariousness of their descent, demonstrating the artist’s superb command of line and shadow, which often characterized his preparatory studies for both paintings and prints. The level of finish and articulation suggests this drawing was intended for direct reproduction or transfer.

Conversely, the reverse side of the paper features a distinct, less developed study titled Half-Length Sketch of a Woman. This sketch, also in black chalk, illustrates Renoir’s constant exploration of form and portraiture outside the constraints of commissioned illustrations. This drawing offers important insight into the non-painting output of the prolific artist. Although Renoir is globally known for his foundational role in Impressionism and his vibrant canvases, his works on paper are vital to understanding his overall artistic development. This historically significant work is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Created in France during a period of intense artistic experimentation, this piece is often available for study, with high-quality prints sometimes made accessible through public domain initiatives.