Lise Sewing

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

c. 1867–1868

Oil on canvas

Dallas Museum of Art

Renoir was 25 years old when he made this painting of Lise Tréhot. From 1866 on, he painted her at least 12 times until their romantic and professional relationship came to an end in 1872. Lise Sewing is not a traditional portrait. Rather than facing the viewer in a formal pose, Lise is shown in profile, absorbed in her sewing. The composition, subject, and loose paint application reflect the influence of older avant-garde artists that Renoir admired, such as Gustave Courbet and Camille Corot. Although today Renoir is closely associated with the Impressionist movement, his works were only shown in four of the eight exhibitions. on-v