The French Impressionist ideals of outdoor scenes depicted with sparkling color and light are embodied in the early works of Renoir, who began his career as a painter in a porcelain factory. His later artworks, particularly his formal figure paintings of ample women, show a more disciplined approach and a break from contemporary themes to more timeless subjects .

In 1862, he entered the studio of Gleyre and formed lasting friendships with other Impressionists, particularly Claude Monet, He endured much hardship early in his career but achieved success as a portraitist in the late 1870s. After visiting Italy in 1881-82, he abandoned the Impressionist ideal and developed a softer and more supple kind of handling which is evident in his pictures of young girls in softly colored settings.

He is perhaps the best-loved of all the Impressionists for his cheerful subject matter - pretty children, flowers, lovely women -and their instant appeal. He once wrote," why shouldn't art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world”. As a great worshiper of the female form he mused, "I never think I have finished a nude until I think I could pinch it ".