Femme dans un paysage (Jardin de Cagnes) is an exquisite example of Renoir's characteristically ethereal handling of atmosphere and shadow. His subtle variations of color combined with his fluid brushstrokes endow the image with beauty, finesse and harmony. Dominated by a range of bright and modulated tones of greens and blues, the palette underscores Renoir's understanding of the natural variations of light.

Renoir adored the South of France, and spent an increasing amount of t.mes there before moving permanently to the area in 1902. Having suffered from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis prior to his move to the south, Renoir found the warmth and sunlight of this more benign climate beneficial to his health, and produced some of the most charming and attractive landscapes of his entire career from the mid-1890s onwards. Renoir further cemented his close connection to the South of France with the purchase of a countryside property near Cagnes in 1907, Les Collettes. The artist and his family enjoyed an idyllic way of life at Les Collettes, as one of the frequent visitors to the property recalled: “Nothing could be less formal than life at Les Collettes. No barriers between master and servant, between kitchen and dining room, studio and living room…” (George Besson in Renoir in the 20th Century (exhibition catalogue), Paris, Galerie Nationales, 2009-10, p. 95).

Although Renoir defined himself primarily as a figure painter, landscape had been an important element within his oeuvre since the beginning of his career. In common with the other Impressionist artists, in particular Claude Monet, Renoir strove to immortalize the fleeting moments which occur in nature, such as a gust of wind or the fall of sunlight through trees, frequently working en plein air in order to recreate these effects as closely as possible. Suburban and rural leisure was a favorite subject of the Impressionists, and the new train lines radiating from Paris made it easy for them to reach the countryside. Throughout his life, depicting friends and family within the surrounding landscape would be an important part of his artistic expression.