Is Paris Street Rainy Day Impressionist?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris Street Rainy Day is a painting by Gustave Caillebotte, a prominent French Impressionist painter. The painting depicts a rainy day in Parisian streets during the late 19th century, with people walking down the street carrying umbrellas and wearing long coats.

While there is no definitive answer to whether or not Paris Street Rainy Day can be considered as an Impressionist painting, it is safe to say that it has elements of Impressionism in it. The Impressionist movement was known for its emphasis on capturing the fleeting moment and the play of light on everyday scenes. Caillebotte’s painting certainly incorporates these elements.

One of the most striking features of Paris Street Rainy Day is the way Caillebotte has captured the reflections of the street and buildings on the wet ground. The wet pavement reflects the light from street lamps and shop windows, creating a shimmering effect that is typical of Impressionist paintings.

The use of bold lines and underlines in this painting also adds to its Impressionist quality. The figures in the painting are depicted with thick black outlines that give them a sense of solidity while also emphasizing their position within their environment. Similarly, the underlines used in certain areas of the painting help to emphasize specific details such as the edges of umbrellas or individual raindrops.

Another hallmark feature of Impressionist paintings is their use of color. In Paris Street Rainy Day, Caillebotte has used muted tones that reflect the overcast and rainy weather conditions. However, he has also incorporated brighter colors such as reds and yellows in small areas such as umbrellas or shop signs to add contrast and interest.

In terms of composition, Paris Street Rainy Day also follows some typical Impressionist conventions. The figures are arranged in a seemingly random fashion, giving a sense of spontaneity that reflects everyday life. Additionally, there is no clear focal point in the painting, instead, the viewer’s eye is drawn to different parts of the scene through the use of light and color.

In conclusion, while it may not be definitive whether Paris Street Rainy Day can be considered an Impressionist painting or not, it certainly has many of the hallmarks of the movement. From its emphasis on capturing fleeting moments and light to its use of bold lines and color, Caillebotte’s painting is a beautiful example of Impressionism in action.