Yerres, on the Pond, Water Lilies 1878

Gustave Caillebotte made this small painting of water lilies, Yerres, on the Pond, with oils on canvas. Here, we see an intimate glimpse of nature, captured with loose brushstrokes characteristic of Impressionism. Painted in France, likely in the 1870s or 80s, it reflects the period's fascination with leisure and the natural world. Caillebotte, unlike some of his contemporaries, came from a wealthy background. This allowed him to support other artists and paint subjects reflective of his privileged life such as urban scenes, portraits, and, as seen here, landscapes from his family's estate in Yerres. The seemingly innocuous scene of water lilies might also be seen as a commentary on the changing French landscape, as industrialization began to encroach upon these idyllic settings. To fully appreciate Caillebotte, one might delve into the art criticism of the time, exhibition records, and even his personal correspondence. In doing so, we can better understand the social forces that shaped his artistic vision.