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Renoir, My Father

Jean Renoir, translated by Randolph and Dorothy Weaver, with an introduction by Robert L. Herbert

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Founder connections

  • Joe CoulombeReported having finished the father’s biography by Jean Renoir
    In his original 1986 Reason interview Coulombe says he has just finished Jean Renoir’s biography of his father. The publisher identifies Renoir, My Father as Jean’s biography of Pierre-Auguste, supplying the work-title bridge. Coulombe did not speak the title or identify his edition. The selected 2001 English reissue postdates the interview and is not his copy.
    Source

Summary

Jean Renoir recalls the life of his father, the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The account follows the artist’s career from work decorating fans and porcelain, while preserving memories of his conversation, habits and ways of approaching painting.

The portrait also reveals the son who remembers him. Personal recollection and artistic work sit together, giving the reader a family member’s view of a painter’s daily practice rather than a detached survey of Impressionism.

  • SourceRenoir, My Father — original publisher description and credits · Book Description identifies Jean’s portrait of his painter father, early fans/porcelain work, working habits and conversation. Byline: Randolph/Dorothy Weaver translation, Robert L. Herbert introduction; NYRB paperback ISBN 9780940322776, September 30, 2001.

Why read it Our view

For founders interested in creative craft, examine the relation between daily practice, observation and the rules an artist uses while working. Keep the family member’s point of view in mind when judging the portrait.