We are honored to present a captivating work by one of the leading lights of the Impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with the lot entitled "Head of Dog," a striking color sketch executed on heavy paper with the dimensions of 12 by 14.5 inches. Renoir, principally acclaimed for his vibrant and sensuous portrayal of human flesh, ventured relatively seldom into the domain of animal studies, making this work an intriguing anomaly in his repertoire. This sketch, rendering the anatomical and expressive features of a dog’s head with both tenderness and acumen, provides collectors with a rare vista into Renoir’s comprehensive artistic range and his skillful use of color and form. Pierre-Auguste Renoir is a seminal figure within the pantheon of Impressionist masters, a group that revolutionized the landscape of Western art in the late 19th century. The Impressionist movement signaled a dramatic shift from the rigid conventions of classical art to a more spontaneous and en plein air approach—often capturing fleeting moments of beauty, light, and movement. "Head of Dog," while less customary in the context of Renoir’s usual subjects, embodies a significant historical footprint as it echoes the Impressionist embrace of spontaneity in its seemingly impulsive execution. Also, studies like this gave Renoir and his contemporaries a broader understanding of form and anatomy that would inform their more comprehensive compositions. Title: "Head of Dog", Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Medium: Color sketch on heavy paper, Dimensions: 12 x 14.5 inches (30.5 x 36.8 cm), Estimate: 30,000-45,000. Provenance: The journey an artwork has traveled often adds to its narrative and desirability. "Head of Dog" boasts a provenance that traces its lineage directly back to Renoir. Each Renoir piece carries a storied history and the potential to escalate in value as the Impressionist market remains vibrant and continues to captivate collectors. The sketch of "Head of Dog" by Renoir acts as a snapshot into the diverse capabilities and perhaps personal passions of the artist, revealing his attentiveness to subjects beyond the human silhouette. Collectors and enthusiasts may find the contrast between the more familiar Renoir scenes of leisure and this intimate animal study compelling, possibly driving interest beyond the anticipated range. We cordially invite potential buyers to attend pre-auction viewings, where the tactile surface and tones of Renoir's sketch can be fully appreciated in person. It offers prospective collectors a not-to-be-missed opportunity to obtain a unique and historically significant work of art by an Impressionist master, distinguished not only by its excellence but by the rarity of its kind in Renoir’s oeuvre.

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