A Tale of Two Artists | Renoir's Lasting Influence

A Tale of Two Artists | Renoir's Lasting Influence

Step into the world of artistic collaboration as we explore 'The Judgement of Paris,' a bronze masterpiece born from the creative synergy of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Richard Guino. This exceptional relief unveils the timeless allure of myth and the legacy of two great artists.

12 October 2023

 

VIEW AUCTION     REQUEST A VALUATION     CONTACT A SPECIALIST

 




With this bronze relief, we witness an exceptional collaboration of two great artists.

Based on a drawing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the imagery of the cast bronze will be a familiar one to those who know their classics. This is the moment that triggered the epic war of Troy, defined the Greco-Roman mythological past and was to be of great influence to numerous philosophical and artistic minds. Here we see Paris, the young prince of Troy, handing the golden apple "To the fairest one," of the three goddesses, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Among the goddesses’ tempting promises: political power, military success, or great romance, Paris surrendered in front of love to the most beautiful woman - Helen. Renoir’s short, quick, loose lines as well as his intuitive, emotive manipulations of form (shown in the chalk drawing below) capture the tension of this dramatic moment.


Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons


As a work of his later period, the small-breasted, long-waisted, big-hipped design of the goddesses were nothing like the traditional idealised classic type. The smooth lines curve the goddesses’ naked bodies, which were usually covered with armour or classic clothing. This together with the statuesque positions and the dynamic interactions between the figures,  shows Renoir’s creativity and dynamism.

 Richard Guino (French, 1890-1973), after Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 'Judgement of Paris', bronze, with a bronze patina, signed 'Renoir' l.r. 32cm wide, 4.5cm deep, 25.5cm high, on base 32cm high overall. (£10,000-15,000)

Richard Guino (French, 1890-1973), after Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 'Judgement of Paris', bronze, with a bronze patina, signed 'Renoir' l.r. 32cm wide, 4.5cm deep, 25.5cm high, on base 32cm high overall. (£10,000-15,000)

 

Renoir suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and became incapable of holding sculpting tools. Unable to mould clay or chip at stone, he worked with the young Richard Guino to fulfil his new passion for sculpture in later life. Under strict supervision of the master, the younger man executed the artist's conceptions. So successful was this collaboration that the sculptures have the qualities of Renoir’s style.-

Born in 1890, Richard Guino was a French sculptor of Catalan origin. He studied at the Art School of Girona at a very young age and left in 1906 to follow the courses of the Superior School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where Pablo Picasso's father was one of his teachers. His talent was soon discovered by the French sculptor Aristide Maillol who took him to Paris as his assistant and introduced him to Renoir. A collaborative partnership then began between then between the young sculptor and the old painter which can be seen in the present lot. ‘The Judgement of Paris’ combines classicism and modernity and is an excellent example of the joining of minds of two master artists.

 


Modern & Contemporary Art Logo
Tuesday 17 October | 10am

pictures@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

 

VIEW AUCTION

 


 

 


 

Recent News

 

Alsace-Lorraine | The Small Part of France with a Large Glass History

In our next Design sale on Tuesday 22 October, we are lucky to offer a plethora of cameo works from many of the French greats, as well as a fine collection of contemporary Lalique works.

1 October 2024

 

Antiquity and Avant-Garde

A remarkable European private collection is set to come up for auction at Sworders later this year, offering an eclectic mix of antiquities and modern art that reflects the sophisticated taste of its owner.

20 September 2024

Stepping Back in Style

Featured in our next two Homes & Interiors sales (18-19 September and 8 October) are pieces from an exceptional private collection of Georgian shoe buckles. Inherited from the vendor’s parents (some even from their grandparents) they were acquired over a prolonged period since the 1950s.

13 September 2024

 


 

Get Sworders News