Accession Number1977/1.159
TitleJean Renoir, director
Artist(s)Richard AvedonArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1972; printed 1975Medium & Supportgelatin silver print on paperDimensions 16 9/16 in x 15 7/8 in (42.07 cm x 40.32 cm);28 in x 22 in (71.12 cm x 55.88 cm);15 3/4 in x 15 1/4 in (40.01 cm x 38.74 cm)
Credit LineMuseum PurchaseSubject matterThis is a portrait of Jean Renoir, the French film director, screenwriter, actor, producer and author. He was also the son of the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
This portrait is representative of Avedon's approach to studio portraiture, which employed flat light and a white background in an isolated environment. Avedon's approach revealed every vivid detail of the sitter's face. Renoir gazes beyond the frame with lips pursed, appearing at once contemplative and subdued. Avedon stated that each sitter puts on a performance before the camera while insisting that the photographs are fictions created by the photographer.
Physical DescriptionThis photographic portrait of a man shows him in dark clothing, before a white background. The composition is cropped at the shoulders.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Figures
Portraits
film directors
head
male
males
modern and contemporary art
portraits
studio portraits