Chrysanthemums in the Garden at Petit-Gennevilliers 1893

Gustave Caillebotte made this painting of chrysanthemums in his garden using oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you'll see the flowers aren't just depicted, they're almost built up from the material of the paint itself. Oil paint's inherent qualities of viscosity and sheen allowed Caillebotte to apply thick, textured strokes, creating a tactile surface that mimics the fullness of the blossoms. This method, very characteristic of impressionism, speaks to the labor involved, each stroke representing a deliberate action. However, it's important to remember the social context. Caillebotte came from a wealthy family, so the production process here is distinct from artists working with less access to resource. While the painting conveys a sense of natural abundance, it also reflects the artist's privileged position, and the economic system that supported his artistic pursuits. Thinking about materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of Caillebotte's art.