How did Raphael’s work influence Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s new artistic direction?

During a trip to Italy in the early 1880s, Pierre-Auguste Renoir discovered the work of Raphael, which profoundly influenced his artistic direction and triggered a crisis regarding his commitment to Impressionism.

Raphael’s work introduced Renoir to the hallmarks of Classicism, specifically the beauty of drawing, the use of clear lines to define forms, and the expressive power of smooth painting to enhance the modeling and suppleness of the human body. These revelations led Renoir to believe that his previous Impressionist technique—characterized by small, contrasting brushstrokes—was insufficient for capturing the texture of skin or achieving structural clarity.

Consequently, Renoir shifted his focus toward volume, contours, and line, moving away from the ephemeral qualities he had previously pursued. This transition resulted in his so-called "harsh" or "dry" period, during which he prioritized discipline and form over the spontaneous color and brushwork of his earlier years.1