Thursday, December 12, 6 – 7pm
Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Luncheon (detail), 1875. The Barnes Foundation, BF45. Public Domain.
On-site $10; online $8; members and students free
About the Talk
Martha Lucy | “Renoir’s Luncheon and the Idea of Intimacy”
Luncheon by Pierre-Auguste Renoir shows a couple engaged in quiet conversation. The figures lean slightly toward one another, lingering over their glasses of wine, and display a warmth and closeness that is surprisingly rare in impressionist café scenes. In this talk, Barnes deputy director for research, interpretation and education Martha Lucy explores the painting in depth, comparing it to similar works by Renoir’s contemporaries and framing it within the social history of intimacy in 19th-century Paris.
This lecture is part of our Impressionism at the Barnes series celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition in Paris in 1874. Each talk highlights an impressionist (or neo-impressionist) artist in the Barnes collection, detailing their importance in the history of modern art and uncovering what made their work so radical to 19th-century audiences. Don’t miss André Dombrowski on Monet Painting on Water and Michelle Foa on Seurat at the Barnes.
About the Speaker
Martha Lucy
Lucy is the deputy director for research, interpretation and education at the Barnes. As an art historian, she specializes in modern European art and visual culture. She is the coauthor of Renoir in the Barnes Foundation and has published articles and essays on topics ranging from the early charcoals of Odilon Redon to contemporary installation art.
Go Further
Daily Gallery Talks
Every day, our gallery specialists offer talks about the Barnes collection. Learn more about our history, founder, and collection.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Mickalene Thomas: All About Love
An in-depth discussion about Me as Muse with Emma Nell Jacobs. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery
In Focus Gallery Talk: Mickalene Thomas: All About Love
An in-depth discussion about Tamika sur une chaise longue with Emma Nell Jacobs. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery