Lucie Berard (Child in White)

A young Lucie Berard, around seven years old, gazes out at us with an expression that is both direct and slightly reserved. She is dressed in a crisp white dress with a blue sash, a common formal attire for children of the era. The artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, renders her with a soft, almost glowing quality, emphasizing the delicate features of her face and the luminous fabric of her clothing. This portrait, painted in 1883, captures a moment of childhood innocence, yet hints at the burgeoning personality of its subject. The brushstrokes, particularly in the background, are loose and fluid, characteristic of the Impressionist style that Renoir helped to define, creating a vibrant, atmospheric setting that complements the child's bright presence.