Redefining Masculinity: The Art of Gustave Caillebotte

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:

https://www.artforum.com/features/gustave-caillebotte-painting-men-review-james-meyer-1234729866/#:~:text=A%20virtual%20panorama%20of%20late,Leg%5D%2C%20both%201884).

 

Best Known

This is perhaps Caillebotte's best known work, Paris Street on a Rainy Day.  Although 

there's a woman in the picture, multiple observers have said it's all about the men.

 

Unknown

This is a rare unknown Caillebotte portait subject.

The light and color are exceptional.

 

The only male nudes

I've only been able to find two male nudes by Gustave Caillebotte.  Above is Man at His Bath 

which I posted a while back without knowing the artist's name.  Below is Man Drying his Leg, 

and both are from 1884, probably of the same man.  (Note the differing brushstroke patterns 

between the two.)  Having briefly attended the Ecole des Beaux Artes, we might expect 

some academic nudes by this artist to be extant, but I have found none.

 

On the Pont de l'Europe

The composition and color palette of On the Pont de l'Europe are quite striking.

I love the offhand way the men are shown casually at the side.

 

Boating

Gustave Caillebotte did several works with boating themes, and the one above is my favorite.  

Few people know, however, that he also appeared as a model in one of the most famous 

impressionist paintings ever, Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party.  

Mr. Caillebotte is the handsome young man at lower right:

Below, we have another of Mr. Caillebotte's boating pieces, Boating Party.  While it might 

seem odd to be rowing in a top hat, vest, and tie, it was quite ordinary at the time.

 

Self Portrait

Mr. Caillebotte did this self portrait in 1889.

 

Game of Bezique

Four men here are playing Bezique, a popular card game of the time.  One is watching intently while another is snoozing on the settee.  We get charming and strongly masculine all at once.

Could this have inspired all those goofy pictures of dogs playing cards?

 

Soldier

This simple painting of a soldier in a casual pose is a nice contrast to the 

usual portrayal of military men as gruff or standing at attention.

 

Jules Dubois

The facial expression in this portrait of Jules Dubois give an impression of the earnestness, 

intelligence, and curiosity that was the hallmark of this era in France.  Science, art, medicine, 

and literature were all fields where the French led the world when this was painted.

 

Young Man

Ending my Gustave Caillebotte series with Young Man at His Window.  There's something 

powerfully masculine about this fully clothed male with his back to us that I can't 

quite describe.  I can't see his face, but I want to know him, and I envy 

Mr. Caillebotte for being close enough to paint him.