Skiffs
1877 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts two individuals rowing small skiffs on the Yerres river in France. It demonstrates the artist's focus on the recreational activities of the Parisian middle class during the late 19th century.
Did you know?
Gustave Caillebotte was not only a passionate painter but also a skilled naval architect and yacht designer, which explains his precise and expert depiction of watercraft. Unlike many of his Impressionist peers who focused on light effects, Caillebotte often employed a unique, high-angle perspective that gave his works a modern, almost cinematic quality. His personal fortune allowed him to support his contemporaries financially, effectively acting as a crucial patron for the movement.
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Skiffs
Gustave Caillebotte, 1877
