RENOIR IN ESSOYES
Discover the special attachment of Renoir, the master of Impressionism, to Essoyes, a picturesque village on the Côte des Bar in Champagne !
Nothing predestined Renoir to one day come and live in Aube. So to what do we owe the attachment of one of France’s most renowned painters to a small village in the Champagne region ?
All it took was for his eyes to meet those of a young Essoy woman, Aline Charigot.
Here’s a look back at a providential encounter.
THE MEETING OF RENOIR AND ALINE
Pierre-Auguste Renoir met Aline Charigot in Paris in 1880. Charmed by the young woman’s natural beauty, the painter quickly asked her to become his model.
She featured in many of his paintings, including some of his most famous : it is Aline who can be seen in Le Déjeuner des Canotiers, carrying a little dog or in Danse à la Campagne, on show at the Musée d’Orsay !
After friendship, love would soon unite the artist and the young provincial girl, 18 years his junior.
WHEN RENOIR “CAME TO FARM IN CHAMPAGNE”
Aline persuaded Renoir to stay in Essoyes for the first time in 1888. The charm of this small village in the Aube region was immediately apparent.
The painter discovered rolling vine-covered landscapes, unparalleled light, simplicity and a gentle way of life : in short, a beautiful place to set up his easel and paint in the open air…
This country life encouraged him to return to the Champagne region year after year, to recharge his batteries, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
RENOIR’S FIRST PROPERTY AND LAST RESIDENCE IN ESSOYES
Renoir’s attachment to the village took concrete form in 1896 with the purchase of a family home. He became a homeowner for the first time at the age of 55 ! His sons Pierre and Jean grew up in this house. His youngest child, Claude, was born in 1901.
The painter’s studio was built at the bottom of the garden. The cemetery is the final testament to the Renoirs’ affection for the town, and houses the family’s two graves, in accordance with their wishes.
Today, a complete tour of the cemetery allows you to discover the life of the master of Impressionism and of this family of artists.
