The small village of Essoyes, France, where Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, had a house, has opened new exhibits dedicated to the French artist’s work and life in the region of Champagne-Ardenne.
Located in the Champagne region, the new Atelier Renoir cultural and tourist site features some of the regional landscapes found in several of his paintings, and gives Renoir-lovers an intimate view of the artist’s simple country life.
Two exhibitions are currently underway: Renoir’s Studio and Renoir’s Space. In Renoir’s studio, the exhibit features the wheelchair to which he was confined in his later years, while still managing to paint despite crippling arthritis.
Renoir’s Space is a permanent exhibit of the artist’s daily life in the village, with images of his wife and children.
For visitors interested in walking in an area that so often inspired the artist, a discovery tour leads through the village, ending at the garden and studio of the Impressionist painter.