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An original Renoir artwork, which the famed French artist painted during his time in Guernsey, has been acquired by a Guernsey arts group, who will put it on display in the island later this year.
Art for Guernsey syndicated a group of local art collectors to acquire the painting, in celebration of the time the artist spent in Guernsey.
Renoir came over for a month in 1883, during which time he worked on 15 paintings - the majority of which depicted views of Moulin Huet.
Rochers de Guernesey avec personnages (plage à Guernesey) is considered by many to be one of the best pieces Renoir painted in the island and is one of just five original Guernsey-painted pieces still in private hands, while the other two sit in major museum collections.
In February this year, leading UK auctioneers Christie's sold an original for £443,250 at an Impressionist & Modern Art Day Sale, although it is not yet confirmed whether that is the one purchased by Art For Guernsey.
The organisation's founder David Ummels said it will go on show at Beau Sejour from 28 September to 6 October.
"This acquisition places Art for Guernsey in a different bracket as, thanks to the generosity and support of a few discerning collectors who strongly believe in Art for Guernsey's ethos, we join the ranks of these illustrious fellow collectors of Guernsey Renoirs.
Pictured: Art For Guernsey has set up the Renoir walks, which allow people to see the view that he had when painting in Guernsey.
"This in itself opens many doors for collaboration in terms of curating, research and cultural exchanges as we intend to actively capitalise on the artwork to engage and promote Guernsey positively.
"I am proud to live in a place where a group of people can so easily come together and resolve to do something for the common good, just because it is the right thing to do. This unique goodwill makes Guernsey a very special place."
The piece hasn't been in the island since 1883, so the Art for Guernsey team is excited to finally bring the artwork "home".
"We are bringing back this artwork where it belongs for the right reasons, namely to inspire the children and the local community, support the local tourism industry and, in the future, curate an international exhibition highlighting how Guernsey played a key role inspiring Renoir’s career," said Mr Ummels.
"We would like to express our thanks to the art collectors who came together for the common good of Guernsey, and we look forward to celebrating with islanders in the autumn at our exciting show."
Pictured top: Rochers de Guernesey avec personnages (plage à Guernesey) is considered by many to be one of the best pieces Renoir painted in the island.
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