Would Renoir Have Made a Good Census Worker?

Absolutely. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, (1841-1919 according to wikipedia and I'm too lazy to double check that) was a French Impressionist painter with an uncanny eye for detail in human facial expressions. I think that characteristic would make him very adept at reading the emotions of the people he was tabulating.

I love the way Renoir's paintings not only invite, but practically compel you to ask the question "What are they thinking?" "The Luncheon of the Boating Party" made famous by the movie Amelie, is a perfect example of this trait in his greatest masterpieces. Let's take a look:

Not only is this an interesting piece because no one's glances of interest are returned, but you can also fill out a census form just by looking at the people. The three men in yellow hats are clearly members of some fraternity that dresses alike. The two women at the table are obviously sisters who live alone but if you asked the one on the left how many people reside at their apartment, you'd have to be careful. She would tell you "three" but that is because she is counting her dog as a human being. The woman leaning on the railing is the oldest of nine children, her mother died in childbirth and her father is a government servant. The man in the cardigan by the table is an only child who lives with his grandmother, who indulges his every fancy. But that woman drinking from the cup...I can't quite figure her out.

While "Boating Party" is my personal favorite, I also find his three "Dance" paintings quite intriguing. Even without the titles, I am confident you could properly fill out the census form for these three couples. Do they live in the country, the city, or some in between place called "Bougival"?