"Le Chapeau Epingle"

Original etching and drypoint on wove paper. This is the third version and the second edition printed in 1921 of Le Chapeau Epingle. Condition is very good. Mild toning consistent with age. Slight mat burn. Slight wrinkling of paper. Under glass; not examined out of frame. Signed in plated lower left. Sight size 6.25 by 4.5 inches. Impression size 4.75 by 3.25 inches. The etching is framed in a narrow half inch wide antique silver frame with light grey green card mat. Mat and frame in good condition. Overall measurements 10.5 by 8.75 inches. Provenance: Purchased in 1959 from Pierre Michel Gallery, Paris,

The subject of Le Chapeau Epingle ('The Pinned Hat') was depicted by him in six different prints, three etchings and three lithographs. Renoir treated this scene of two young girls side by side, with one of them pinning on the other's hat, in a series of variations at this time. His models are known to have been Julie Manet, the daughter of Berthe Morisot and niece of Eduard Manet, and her cousin, Paulette Gobillard. The scene originated from a study Pierre Renoir made while on holiday on the coast of Northern France with Berthe Morisot and her family. Julie Manet was a favourite model for Renoir and on this occasion he drew her on the beach with her cousin who was adjusting the pin on her large sun hat.

This impression of Le Chapeau Epingle is the third and final etched variation. In its treatment it is much more compelling and complex than the earlier two versions. This etching was commissioned by Dentu in Paris in 1894 for Gustave Geffroy's art journal, La Vie artistique. It later appeared in Georges Riviere's, Renoir et ses Amis, published in Paris in 1921. It should also here be noted that there are a number of modern re-strikes of this famous etching. One can, however, determine the differences of these editions by the papers used and their dimensions. First edition (1894) impressions, such as this original example, were printed upon light cream laid paper with small outside margins of slightly over 6" by 4". These impressions were also very finely printed. Second edition (1921) impressions were printed upon smooth wove paper with large margins. This is a second edition drypoint etching.