Not since the Venetian painters of he High Renaissance has the world seen such glowing opulence in painting. But whereas the Venetians generally found their inspiration in the myths and lore of ancient times,Renoir’s genius transmutes the common occurrences of everyday life into Olympian grandeur. These young gods and goddesses are friends of the painter. Aline Charigot, a favourite model whomRenoirsubsequently married, sits at the left toying with the dog; the other girl at the table, also a model, is Angele, a lady of colourful reputation; Caillebotte, wealthy engineer, spare-time painter, and one of the first collectors of the Impressionists sits astride the chair.

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