Caillebotte's Street in Paris, Rain

  Our latest painting is by Gustave Caillebotte titled Street in Paris, Rain.   It is an oil on canvas painted in 1877 and is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Caillebotte is considered an Impressionists, however his style was a little more realistic.
  Here we see people walking a wet Paris street, umbrella's in hand.  Although not sure, I believe the building in the rear, left, could be what has become the Galeries Lafeyette on the Boulevard Haussmann.  This building was purchased in 1896 to soon become the famous department store, but the building probably existed in 1877. 
   Structurally this painting is very similar to others reviewed.   Here again, the painting is divided exactly in half, with the street light and its shadow as separation.  The right side is almost a portrait of the couple so realistic we could call them by name if we knew them.  But they do not realize we are watching as their attention has been drawn to something we can not see.  Just imagine how this image would change, if they were looking at us!  The whole composition would suddenly become unbalanced, tipping to the right. 
   The left side sets the stage for the street with the triangular building in the rear.  Notice how the right angle line of the building is picked up again on the gentleman's shoulder and arm, pointing down again to the angular line of the building/sidewalk. 
   Much more could be written about this beautiful painting, but I shall leave this to you.   Have you been to Paris, could you have seen this interesting street?   Please let me read your answers.  Write a response and then click on Post.   I wait!
   Make Art a part of your day, its a beautiful thing to do!

Comments

  1. charguthJune 13, 2019 at 5:04 PM

    I am always amazed at the details of the composition and how every part of the painting matters. What ever the couple is looking at, hasn't turned the heads of any of the other figures. I find it interesting how he has spaced the people in the background, and how the cobblestones recede. I notice no signage or advertising on any buildings. I can visualize walking down that street! (But not in a long dress in the rain) Not much carriage traffic! I love Paris scenes.

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