Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)
Around 1875
Oil paint on canvas
59 x 49 cm
Acquired by Oskar Reinhart in 1949
Victor Chocquet (1821–1891) was one of Pierre- Auguste Renoir’s earliest patrons and an ardent supporter of Impressionism. Renoir painted this portrait shortly after their first encounter in late 1875. Chocquet lent the painting to the second Impressionist exhibition in 1876.
Seated in an armchair and framed by the green floral wallpaper of Renoir’s Montmartre studio, Chocquet wears a wry or thoughtful expression. His informal clothing and hand gesture suggest a sense of ease and familiarity between sitter and artist.