Gustave Caillebotte
About the Artist
Like many men of his time, Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) lived his life in male-dominated circles, from the Impressionists he painted with to the boatmen he raced yachts with to the soldiers he served with. Unlike his peers, however, Caillebotte chose to paint these men almost exclusively. At a time when modernity was synonymous with fashionable young women and new forms of entertainment, Caillebotte’s focus on men was unique. He sought to represent the French republican ideals by which he lived his life: liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
Although he remained a bachelor, relationships were incredibly important to him and he found fulfilling connections within his family, friends, and other social groups. Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World explores the artist’s perception of manhood and citizenship through paintings, drawings, and even hats that give us insight into his world.
