Early Life and Education
Gustave Caillebotte, a French painter, was born on August 19, 1848, in Paris to an upper-class family. His father, Martial Caillebotte, was a textile business inheritor and a judge at the Seine department's Tribunal de commerce. Gustave's early interest in photography as an art form would later influence his painting style.
Artistic Career
Gustave earned a law degree in 1868 and a license to practice law in 1870, but he also developed an accomplished style in painting after visiting the studio of painter Léon Bonnat. He made his debut in the second Impressionist exhibition in 1876, showcasing eight paintings, including
Les raboteurs de parquet (The Floor Scrapers), considered a masterpiece.
Style and Influences
Gustave's style belongs to the School of Realism, influenced by his Impressionist associates. He aimed to paint reality as it existed, reducing the inherent theatricality of painting. His style varies considerably among his works, "borrowing" from his peers, including
Claude Monet and
Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Notable Works and Techniques
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View of Rooftops (Snow) (Vue de toits (Effet de neige)) (1878)
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Boulevard Seen from Above (Boulevard vu d'en haut) (1880)
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A Traffic Island (Un refuge, boulevard Haussmann) (1880)
These works employ a high vantage point, reflecting his interest in photography and perspective effects.
Museums and Collections
Gustave's work can be found in various museums, including the
Musée d'Orsay, which houses an impressive collection of French Impressionist paintings.
- Discover more about Gustave Caillebotte's life and works on WahooArt
- Explore the Musée d'Orsay's collection, featuring some of Gustave's notable works: Musée d'Orsay Collection
- Learn more about French Impressionism and its key figures on Wikipedia: French Impressionism
Key Dates:
* August 19, 1848: Gustave Caillebotte's birth
* 1876: Debut in the second Impressionist exhibition
* 1894: Passing of Gustave Caillebotte