Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), a renowned French artist, was a leader in the Impressionist Movement. He was a man of many talents including the gift of voice. First recognized for this, the financial situation of his family caused him to drop voice lessons and begin his painting career in a porcelain factory. He painted shades, fans and china and gradually moved to canvas. Through the fortune of many friendships, he found a way to pursue his art. He realized that portraiture was a way to make a living as an artist in his times so that became the stage for his creativity.

The Swing combines portraiture with emerging impression elements. It was done en plein air; is focused on the effects of light on color; and has the quick and broken brushstrokes that were a curiosity in Renoir’s day and are viewed as sacred now in the Paris cathedrals to art like the Musee d’Orsay where this piece hangs.

This art represents the risks taken by artists to help us see common moments in uncommon ways. With blue moving throughout, it calls our attention to the setting and the figures in a nearly equal and fascinating measure. In dapples of light and an obvious quickness to capture this outdoor moment, Renoir calls us to rest in the same moment and imagine a wooded path; the thoughts of a waiting child; the conversations throughout; this place of seeming community and relationship.

Again, we give thanks for the artists who help us notice beauty and see a world of gentle people on a sunny day. May we rest with them now and imagine our Easter prayers for many resurrections being answered. Thanks be to God. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church