Rosita Mauri Dans ‘la Korrigane’ (circa 1881)

This drawing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, titled "Rosita Mauri Dans ‘la Korrigane’" from around 1881, is a delicate and intimate portrayal of the renowned dancer Rosita Mauri. Rendered with soft, evocative pencil strokes, Renoir captures a gentle, introspective moment that seems to reveal the subject's innermost thoughts or a brief pause in her performance.The image features Rosita Mauri in profile view, seated with her body slightly turned towards the viewer. Her attire suggests a costume, which is highlighted through the careful detailing of her bodice and the flowing fabric of her skirt, suggesting movement even in stillness. Her hair is styled up, adorned possibly with a hairpiece, which complements the era’s fashion and her status as a performer.The emotional tone of the drawing is subtle yet poignant. Mauri's facial expression is soft and somewhat wistful, evoking a sense of melancholy or reflective pause. Renoir's minimalist yet effective use of line and shadow conveys not only the physical beauty of his subject but also hints at the character and grace she possesses.This piece reflects Renoir's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects, emphasizing not just their physical appearance but their emotional state and the underlying story, a hallmark of his approach to portraiture and his contributions to Impressionism.