Renoir was fascinated by the rise of the bourgeoisie - the French new middle class - as well as by its lifestyle. This painting also showcases one of the Impressionists' signatures- painting outdoors.

Bourgeoisie
A new upper-middle class

En Plein Air
Painting outdoors

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880–1881, oil on canvas, 4.3 in x 5.8 in, The Phillips Collection, Washington DC.

Renoir liked depicting the bourgeoisie leisure activities as well as the effects of natural light, seen here through the unique pattern of shadow and light caused by the sun's passage through the foliage.

Bourgeoisie
A new upper-middle class

Light & Color
Depicting the effects
of natural light

En Plein Air
Painting outdoors

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Moulin de la Galette, 1876, oil on canvas, 4.4 in x 5.9 in, Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

Another depiction of the new middle class' leisure activity. Renoir's interest in the effects of light and color is evident here through the unique way he paints the reflection on the water.

Bourgeoisie
A new upper-middle class

Light & Color
Depicting the effects
of natural light

En Plein Air
Painting outdoors

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Grenouillère, 1869, oil on canvas, 2.2 x 2.8 in, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.

In this painting, Renoir captures a bourgeoisie couple in a theater box seating. The woman's lavish dress is a testament to this new middle class' access to capital.

Haussmann
A new city landscape

Bourgeoisie
A new upper-middle class

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Loge (Theatre box), 1874, 2.39 m x 1.85 m, The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London.