Bal du moulin de la Galette facts for kids
The painting Bal du moulin de la Galette (which means Dance at Le moulin de la Galette in English) was created by the famous French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1876. It's a very well-known painting and you can see it today at the Musée d'Orsay museum in Paris, France. This artwork shows a typical Sunday afternoon scene at a popular outdoor dance hall called Moulin de la Galette in the Montmartre area of Paris.
In the late 1800s, many people from Paris, especially working-class families, would dress up and go to places like Moulin de la Galette. They would spend their evenings there, dancing, enjoying drinks, and eating special flat cakes called galettes. Renoir's painting captures this lively atmosphere perfectly.
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About This Famous Painting
Bal du moulin de la Galette is a great example of Impressionism, a style of art that was popular at the time. Impressionist painters tried to capture a "snapshot" of real life, showing how light and color looked at a specific moment.
What Makes It Special?
Renoir's painting shows a lot of detail and movement. You can see how he used quick, flowing brush strokes to make the people and their clothes look alive. The way he painted the light, making it seem to flicker through the trees, is also very impressive. It feels like you are right there in the middle of the party!
Where Has It Been?
For about 20 years, another French painter named Gustave Caillebotte owned this painting. When he passed away, the painting became the property of the French government.
From 1896 to 1929, the painting was displayed in the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris. Then, from 1929, it moved to the famous Musée du Louvre. Finally, in 1986, it was moved to its current home at the Musée d'Orsay, where millions of visitors can enjoy it today.
The Smaller Version
Renoir actually painted a smaller version of Bal du moulin de la Galette as well. This smaller painting is now part of a private art collection. For many years, it was owned by an American named John Hay Whitney. In 1990, his wife sold it for a very high price at an auction in New York City. It became one of the most valuable artworks ever sold at that time.
Images for kids
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Smaller version
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Renoir's La balançoire, 1876
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See also
In Spanish: Baile en el Moulin de la Galette para niños
