Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party, Bougival, (1881. 51 x 68" The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.), a follow-up to Ball at the Moulin de la Galette of 1876, appears at first glance to be nothing more than a snapshot of a friendly social gathering of men and women enjoying a riverside meal. Interaction among the guests through conversation livens the environment. Relaxed body positioning and posture assists the artist in portraying a laissez-faire atmosphere and the setting, …showed first 75 words of 1124 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1124 total…that viewer so that we become engaged in the action. Here we join his friends taking pleasure in some of life's greatest delights, perfect weather, a day on the river, great-tasting food, the company of people you enjoy being around, and red wine. It does not commemorate a special event, but recognizes a common time and place of the late nineteenth century. It celebrates life. <Tab/> <Tab/>