\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 Painted from life at one of the cafΘs known as \i guinguettes\i0 on the hill of Montmartre, the \i Dance at the Moulin de l
a Galette\i0 shocked critics because of its dissolution of forms and vibrancy of colors.\par
In fact the true force of this painting by Renoir is the social occasion presented by the dance.\par
The composition is very crowded and the artistÆs interest
centers on an attempt to convey a sense of dynamism, as well as to depict figures in the open air.\par
The foreground is taken up by a scene of discreet flirtation between the group of young men seated at a table and two girls leaning nonchalantly on a
bench.\par
The painter follows the action with amused and indulgent interest, but his attention is also caught by the effect of the sunlight filtering through the branches of the trees and creating flitting patterns on the figuresÆ clothing.\par
The c
lothes worn by the dancing couples are rendered with long and summary brushstrokes that help to a create an impression of movement.\par
ôThe ground on which the figures are dancing looks like the purple clouds that darken the sky on a stormy day.ö This
comment, made at the time and intended as a criticism of the picture, is actually an apt observation that brings out its intrinsic poetry.
