Renoir's Curtain

The Bold Geometry of Gene Davis's Late Career

Renoir's Curtain (1977) represents a pivotal moment in Gene Davis's exploration of vertical stripes, created just three years before his death. This work exemplifies Davis's mature style where he abandoned the random color sequences of his earlier works in favor of carefully planned chromatic progressions. The painting's title references Pierre-Auguste Renoir while simultaneously rejecting Impressionist techniques through its hard-edged abstraction.

As part of Davis's final creative period, this work demonstrates his evolving relationship with color theory. The Smithsonian American Art Museum notes how Davis's late works like this one show "increased complexity in color relationships while maintaining his signature vertical format" (americanart.si.edu). The vertical orientation creates a sense of movement while the precise color bands demonstrate Davis's technical mastery.

Gene Davis and the Washington Color School

As a central figure in the Washington Color School, Gene Davis developed his distinctive style in dialogue with artists like Kenneth Noland and Morris Louis. While sharing the movement's focus on color relationships, Davis maintained an independent approach through his consistent use of vertical stripes as his primary compositional element.

By the late 1970s when he created Renoir's Curtain, Davis had achieved international recognition. His works from this period demonstrate both continuity with his earlier stripe paintings and new developments in his handling of color transitions. The Art Story notes how Davis's late works show "increased sophistication in his color sequencing while maintaining the immediate visual impact of his signature style" (theartstory.org).

In Renoir's Curtain, Davis achieves a remarkable balance between optical vibration and harmonic color relationships, creating a work that engages viewers while maintaining formal discipline.

The Technical Mastery of Renoir's Curtain

Composition and Structure

The painting's vertical format creates a sense of upward movement while the carefully calibrated stripe widths establish rhythm. Davis varies the color intensity to create focal points within the composition.

Color Theory in Practice

Davis employs complementary color relationships to create visual tension while analogous hues provide areas of rest. The precise registration of colors demonstrates his technical skill in maintaining clean edges throughout the painting process.

Displaying Renoir's Curtain in Your Space

This framed print makes a striking statement in modern interiors. The vertical format works particularly well in narrow spaces like hallways or between windows. Consider placing it in a room with neutral tones to allow the vibrant colors to stand out. At 30×40 cm, it serves as an excellent focal point above a console table or in a small grouping of artworks.

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