I'm embarrassed to say that I only recently discovered (accidentally, at that) the amazing work of Gustave Caillebotte, 1848-1894. Many art historians have long said that J.C. Leyendecker redefined American masculinity in the first half of the 20th Century, and quite a few are now saying that Caillebotte did the same thing for France in the second half of the 19th. Born to a wealthy family, he was for decades best known for using his money to support Impressionist artists and organize exhibitions. As is too often the case, only after his death was his real talent and influence recognized. A lifelong bachelor, many have speculated on his sexuality, but we probably will never know for sure. He left an inheritance to a young working class woman who lived with him, but some say that she was a servant rather than a lover. Here's a link to a good survey of his life and work:
The Caillebotte house and property where Gustave is said to have painted 80 works between 1860 and 1880 is now a museum with some of his paintings and temporary exhibitions. It is in Yerres, a Paris suburb in the South east. If you know his paintings you can recognise many locations in and on the property.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.
DeleteArtiste et mécène.
ReplyDeleteOui, like the house of Monet, the houses of Caillebotte at Yerres and Petit-Gennevilliers are a must see.