Caillebotte, Painter and Gardener

Exhibit 2016 in Giverny France, Museum of Impressionisms

From March 25th through July 3rd, 2016

Gustave Caillebotte Autoportrait, 1891-1892
Huile sur toile, 40,5 x 32,5 cm Paris, musée d'Orsay, RF 1971 14
© RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay)
Photo : Martine Beck-Coppola

Gustave Caillebotte had many passions that he undertook with equal dedication.

He was gifted for painting, naval architecture, sport, as well as a collector of his impressionist friends.

Caillebotte setttled at Petit-Genevilliers around 1887 to live closer to the River Seine.

In his extensive garden that included an orchids greenhouse, he indulged in his passion for horticulture.

Garden and flowers became his major motifs.

Gustave Caillebotte Baigneurs, bord de l’Yerres, 1877
Pastel sur papier, 69 x 88.5 cm Paris, musée d'Orsay, RF 1946 34
© RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Photo : Adrien Didierjean

His love for gardens probably started in the family estate of Yerres, South of Paris, where he spent his childhood's Summers.

The park of Yerres, the vegetable garden, the nearby flowing stream also named the Yerres inspired most of the works Caillebotte painted in his youth.

His early death at the age of 45, the lack of visibilty of his paintings mostly kept in his family made him a long unacknowledged artist.

He is now considered one of the major impressionists, especially for his cityscapes of Paris.

Caillebotte and Monet had a lot in commun, being both fond of painting and gardening.

They were friends and would exchange views and advice.

It is only natural that the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny
decided to focus on this less known aspect of Caillebotte's work.

The 2016 Spring exhibit of the museum displays 80 of his paintings and drawings related to the garden world.

Giverny Museum of Impressionisms

Caillebotte, Painter and Gardener

Exhibit 2016 in Giverny France, Museum of Impressionisms

From March 25th through July 3rd, 2016