Bal du moulin de la Galette

Bal du moulin de la Galette IMG

One of Impressionism’s most famous masterpieces, Bal du moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le moulin de la Galette) depicts a typical Sunday afternoon in the gardens surrounding the eponymous windmill in the Paris district of Montmartre. The Moulin de la Galette takes its name from the pastries (galettes) served there. Rodin’s painting shows a working-class clientele enjoying its day of rest, dressed up for the occasion.

The painting belonged to Rodin's colleague Gustave Caillebotte from 1879 to 1894. It became property of the French state upon his death.

Auguste Renoir (1841–1919), Bal du Moulin de la Galette, oil on canvas, 176,5 x 131,5 cm, 1876; source: Musée d’Orsay, Paris http://www.musee-orsay.fr, RF 2739, photographer/agency: © RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) www.photo.rmn.fr / Patrice Schmidt, http://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/11-561227-2C6NU0WVJ6LS.html.