Mme. Charpentier and Her Children facts for kids

Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children is a famous painting from 1878 by the French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This beautiful oil painting shows a wealthy family from Paris. It was first shown to the public in 1879 at an art show called the Salon, where it became very popular. Today, you can see this artwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

What Does the Painting Show?

This painting features Madame Marguérite Charpentier, who was a well-known person in Paris society. She is wearing a fancy dress designed by Worth, a famous fashion designer of that time. Next to her sits her three-year-old son, Paul. It was common back then for young boys to have long hair, and his clothes even match those of his older sister, Georgette. Georgette is playfully sitting on the family's dog, adding a lively touch to the scene.

Who Were the Charpentiers?

The painting was ordered by Georges Charpentier, who was a successful publisher. His wife, Madame Charpentier, loved the painting so much that she used her influence to help Renoir. She made sure his artwork was displayed in a great spot at the Salon. She also introduced Renoir to many of her friends, which led to him getting more painting jobs. This helped Renoir become even more famous.