Auguste Renoir: The Industrial Revolution

The past has effected everyone today in some shape, way, or form. It makes society how it is today and history are the roots for our world. The Industrial Revolution has impacted the world today in many ways. Another piece from this era, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, also had an influence even if it was least expected. Even art can shape the way people think. A memorable work of art by Auguste Renoir called Dance at the Moulin de la Galette put new ideas into artist’s minds about showing happiness. In this paper I will discuss these three significant topics and how they have current significance. The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery into factories, replacing human and animal labor. It was not easy and working conditions in factories were still tough. It originated in Great Britain where there were significant amounts of resources. Coal was a resource that was
This canvas was finished in 1876, and it is still fresh in everyone’s minds today. Renoir’s goal was to provide a picture of social interactions between good natured people. He wanted to make images “happy” and “pretty.” Also he focused on making this a fantasy or escapism experience. Looking at the title of the painting, Moulin is a mill and a Galette means pastry. The artwork illustrates a sunny Sunday afternoon in Paris. The interesting thing that Auguste adds into his work is all of the people that have encouraged him. He knows everyone basically in the painting and a lot of his friends are in it. Even though a lot of his friends are incorporated, many of the women painted are from the lower class ranking. Another difference is that dance halls in this time period were not like this at all. They consisted of prostitutes and there are none shown in the painting. These are the characteristics of the inspiring Dance at the Moulin de la Galette and each makes the artwork stand out