Paris Street Rainy Day is a famous oil painting created by Gustave Caillebotte in 1877. The painting is considered a masterpiece of Impressionism and has become an iconic representation of the movement.
But when was Paris Street Rainy Day actually painted Let’s take a closer look.
The Artist: Gustave Caillebotte
Gustave Caillebotte was a French painter and patron of the arts born in 1848. He was known for his realistic paintings that often depicted urban scenes, as well as his support of Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas.
The Painting: Paris Street Rainy Day
Paris Street Rainy Day is a large-scale painting that measures 83 inches by 108 inches. It depicts a busy intersection in Paris on a rainy day, with people walking under umbrellas and horse-drawn carriages making their way through the wet streets. The painting is notable for its use of perspective and composition, which creates a sense of depth and movement.
Composition and Technique
Caillebotte used mathematical precision to create the illusion of depth in the painting. The vanishing point is located at the center of the canvas, with the diagonal lines of the street leading the eye towards it. The use of light and shadow also adds to the realism and atmosphere of the scene.
The style of Paris Street Rainy Day is considered to be both Realist and Impressionist, as it combines elements from both movements. Caillebotte’s use of loose brushstrokes creates an impressionistic effect, while his attention to detail and realism reflect his background in Realism.
Exhibition History
Paris Street Rainy Day was first exhibited at the Third Impressionist Exhibition in 1877. The painting was not well-received by critics at the time, who found it too photographic and lacking in artistic merit. However, the painting was later recognized as a masterpiece of Impressionism and has since become one of Caillebotte’s most famous works.
Conclusion
Paris Street Rainy Day is a seminal work of Impressionism that exemplifies Caillebotte’s unique style and technique. While it was initially criticized for its realism, the painting has since been recognized as a masterpiece and an important contribution to the movement. Its use of perspective, composition, and technique make it an enduring example of Impressionist art.