Two Sisters (On the Terrace) Paper Plates

“Two Sisters (On the Terrace)” was painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1881. Renoir was a French artist and leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. To me this painting is a joy. It is a marvelous celebration of color as well as being an homage to springtime, youth and beauty. Originally titled “Two Sisters,” the painting was given its second name, “On the Terrace,” by the art dealer and patron of the Impressionists, Paul Durand Ruel, its first owner. Renoir was apparently pleased with this second title since the two girls, the subjects of the painting, were not actually related. The painting is set on the upper terrace of the Restaurant Fournaise overlooking the Seine.