iMedia: Dance at Bougival

"Dance at Bougival"

Pierre-August Renoir’s “Dance at Bougival” is one of my favorite works of art, as I have a special connection to it through my favorite show, “Gilmore Girls.” On one episode of the show, the small town the main characters live in, StarsHollow, hosts the ‘Festival of the Living Art.’  This event is based on an actual art festival, the Pageant of the Masters, and involves recreations of famous paintings using  people who are both painted and dressed like those in the paintings.

Festival of the Living Arts ("Gilmore Girls")
"Dance at Bougival"

“Dance at Bougival” means much to me both because of my love of “Gilmore Girls” and my fascination with the ‘Festival of the Living Art’ as well as my pure enjoyment of this beautiful painting.  The colors and wonderful movement of the clothing make one feel as if they are part of the story, while the somewhat unfocused background helps one to concentrate even more on the focal point of the painting, the dancing couple.

I imagine this painting means just as much to many other “Gilmore Girls” fans and, perhaps, serves to some as an introduction to Renoir’s fine works.  “Dance at Bougival” is a wonderful work of art and  serves to me as a fun way to learn about a famous artist and painting.  This painting is iconic to me now and reminds me each and every time I see it of my love of art as well as the fun and enjoyment I get from watching my favorite show.