Pierre-Auguste Renoir | After the Luncheon, 1879 | Städel Museum

In the arbour of a Parisian restaurant, an abundant meal is drawing to a close.

The actress Ellen Andrée has taken the last sip of her after-dinner drink; lost in thought, she clings to its lingering taste.

One of Renoir’s models is perched on the back of the bench and watches expectantly as the artist’s brother lights a cigarette with obvious satisfaction.

There is a lull in the otherwise lively conversation.

With great mastery, Renoir has captured the ephemeral impression on canvas in a seemingly spontaneous “snapshot”. | © Städel Museum