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| The Umbrellas - 1880s |
In this picture, about a dozen open umbrellas suggest that it is raining. Note the lady in the center is lowering or opening her umbrella, indicating that the rain has either stopped or is about to begin. The lady on the left and the child to the right both look directly at the viewer. The man stares intently at the lady, perhaps about to offer her the shelter of his umbrella, or maybe he's just admiring her. The female figure to the left of the frame holds up her skirt against the mud and water on the road as she carries a bandbox.
The angles of the umbrellas are carefully arranged to form geometric shapes, with the bandbox and the girl's hoop adding rounded elements. The colors are mainly blues and greys. Umbrellas in art are often interpreted as metaphors for protection and shelter from the struggles and hardships of life. Take note that the lady carrying the bandbox is not wearing anything on her head and is without gloves. These are indicators of low status. The bandbox denotes the sort of low paid job taken by country girls who came to the city.
In the lower right corner, Renoir presents two doll-like youngsters. He united them through their color and the lacy embellishments of their clothing. In this portion of the canvas, Renoir has reserved small delights for the eye and his richest color.
The Umbrellas is at The National Gallery in London. Its presence allows art enthusiasts from around the world to appreciate Renoir's genius.
Blues. I particularly like the girls and lady beside them. He was good at painting frills and flowers.
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