Focus on this artwork and analyze the The subjects.
There is much discussion over who modeled the painting's figures, as well those in the other Dance paintings. The prevailing opinion is that it depicts two of Renoir's friends, Suzanne Valadon and Paul Lhote. Lhote is said to have appeared in Dance in the Country as well. However, Morgan Library and Museum director Colin Bailey believes the man may have been modeled by Hippolyte-Alphonse Fournaise, who appeared in Renoir's previous painting Luncheon of the Boating Party in front of his father's restaurant.Valadon is more commonly agreed on as one of the models. Originally a trapeze artist, she became an artist's model after an injury ended her performing career; however, she is best remembered as a successful painter herself. Some historians believe Renoir's subject combines the features of Valadon and Renoir's wife, Aline Charigot. It is more generally accepted that Suzanne Valadon is the model in the Dance in the City, while Aline Charigot is the model in Dance in the Country. If this theory is true, the integration of the two models to form the woman in the Dance at Bougival ties the series together in a succinct way.
Colin Bailey Bougival Suzanne Valadon Aline Charigot Luncheon of the Boating Party Dance in the Country Dance in the City