The Artist's House at Yerres

Gustave Caillebotte was a French artist and head cheerleader of painters prominently known as Impressionists. He was a more realistic painter compared to others in the group. Most importantly, he was famous for his interest in painting at a tender age.

Born in 1848, Gustave Caillebotte was raised by a Parisian family that lived in Faubourg-Saint-Denis. Martial Caillebotte was his father. He was the family’s only heir and a respected business professional who also served as a judge at the Tribunal de commerce. Until 1866, Gustave Caillebotte resided in Paris, his native land. His father established a home situated on 77 rue de Miromesnil.

At the outset of 1860, his family started spending summers in Yerres, which was a small town by the river. Around that time, Gustave Caillebotte started to paint as well as draw. In 1868, he earned a degree in law coupled with a license to practice in 1870. He also studied engineering. After earning his education, Gustave Caillebotte joined the workforce as a soldier serving in the Franco-Prussian war. He left in March 1871.

After the war, he started to visit Léon Bonnat’s studio. He studied painting and developed a specific style in a short time. He also established his first studio in his native home. In 1873, he joined the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. However, he left shortly to inherit his father’s wealth. Being a responsible son, he divided the fortunes to the surviving children too. In 1874, Mr., Caillebotte worked with several artists who largely contributed to the growth of his painting career. Some of the painters worked outside the art department. They included Edgar Degas as well as Giuseppe de Nittis.

Regarding his composition, Gustave Caillebotte is considered to be among the leaders of impressionism. He painted at Petit Gennevilliers. His style is largely associated with the school of realism. His associates influenced it. Familiar with Gustave's precursors, Jean Millet, and Degas, the team aspired to create a theatrical painting. His relationship with his peers also contributed to his choice of specialty.

He often picked different styles. At one point, he selected rich-colored realism while at various times he shared the impressionist devotion to creating optical truth while employing a pastel-softness coupled with loose brush strokes. He also used a smooth palette. Caillebotte would also paint domestic as well as familiar scenes. His work depicts the typical family structure he was raised in.