Banks of the Yerres 1878

Gustave Caillebotte made this painting of the Banks of the Yerres using oil on canvas. Caillebotte’s loose brushstrokes and sketch-like style emphasize the materiality of paint itself. He applied it with a visible thickness that captures the dappled light on the water's surface. The painting is made up of layers of pigment, each stroke contributing to the overall texture and vibrancy of the scene. The tools and techniques of Impressionism - portable easels and tubes of pre-mixed colors - allowed Caillebotte to quickly capture the fleeting impressions of light and atmosphere. The subject matter, too, speaks to this new way of living. Leisure activities like boating became increasingly popular with the rise of the middle class, who had more free time and disposable income. Caillebotte’s painting reflects this shift, celebrating the pleasures of modern life. Ultimately, the painting invites us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in creating such a beautiful image, while also considering the social and economic context in which it was made.