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Gustave Caillebotte’s body of work employs a variety of
different styles that can be attributed to the influence of his
fellow Impressionists. At times he used a softer pallet in the
manner of Degas, while other works seem to reference Manet in
their liberal use of black. The artist’s canvases often feature
scenes from daily life with a “zoomed-in” focus on the subject
matter These compositional methods may perhaps have been a nod
to his intense interest in the new technology of photography.
Though he ceased painting at the age of 34,
Caillebotte remained close with his fellow painters, supporting
their endeavors as a friend and patron.
The very great artists attach you even more to life.
Born into a wealthy Parisian family.
Drafted to serve in the French army during the Franco-Prussian War.
Begins to study art, leaving behind his pre-war legal aspirations.
Meets and befriends Renoir, Monet, Degas; attends the first Impressionist exhibition but does not display with the group.
Makes his artistic debut in the second Impressionist exhibition.
Participates in the following six Impressionist exhibitions and becomes their chief organizer, promoter, and financial backer.
Moves to a suburb outside of Paris; gradually stops painting.
Dies of pulmonary congestion while working in his garden at age 45.
1. Portrait of the artist (detail), about 1892, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Purchase on the arrears of a donation, RF 1971 14. Image © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Martine Beck-Coppola.
2. Parquet planers, 1875, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Gift of the Caillebotte heirs through Auguste Renoir, RF 2718. Image © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt.
3. Le Pont de l’Europe, 1876, oil on canvas. Musée du Petit Palais, Geneva.
4. Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877, oil on canvas. The Art Institute of Chicago, Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection, 1964.336.
5. Portraits in the Countryside, 1876, oil on canvas. MAHB Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard, Donation (1947) Mr. and Mrs. René Chaplain, in memory of Mrs. Fermal born Zoé Caillebotte.
6. View of rooftops (snow effect), 1878, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Gift of Martial Caillebotte, 1894, RF 876. Image © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Franck Raux.
7. Man at His Bath, 1884, oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum purchase with funds by exchange from an Anonymous gift, Bequest of William A. Coolidge, Juliana Cheney Edwards Collection, and from the Charles H. Bayley Picture and Painting Fund, Mary S. and Edward J. Holmes Fund, Fanny P. Mason Fund in memory of Alice Thevin, Arthur Gordon Tompkins Fund, Gift of Mrs. Samuel Parkman Oliver—Eliza R. Oliver Fund, Sophie F. Friedman Fund, Robert M. Rosenberg Family Fund, and funds donated in honor of George T. M. Shackelford, Chair, Art of Europe, and Arthur K. Solomon Curator of Modern Art, 1996-2011, 2011.231.
8. Henri Cordier, 1883, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Gift of Mrs. Henri Cordier, 1926, RF 2729. Image © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt.
