Paris Street, Rainy Day...The 'Intransigents' Bequest...and a Luncheon....

Paris Street, Rainy Day (1877) by Gustave Caillebotte
Art Institute of Chicago
wikipedia

The above painting by Gustave Caillebotte is the 2nd most famous artwork in the Art Institute of Chicago (the first being the subject of my previous post). It's huge. Rather than give dimensions, below is a pic that better demonstrates it's scale.

Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection, 1964.336

Medieval to Modern European Painting and Sculpture   Gallery 201

Cailleboite is one of my favorite people in history and not for being almost in the very top rank of great painters but rather for how he treated his fellow artists. He was the youngest in the group that came to be known as 'The Impressionists' to also include Renoir, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gaugain, Manet, Sisley and Pissarro.  While Caillebotte correctly thought himself not on the same level  as Monet and Renoir and others he did manage to create a few masterpieces that only their very best work exceeds and he reminds us that schadenfreude is German not French which Caillebotte didn't practice in any language. He was a great friend and benefactor to his fellow artists using the considerable wealth he inherited to enrich all humanity. Caillebotte purchased numerous paintings from these fellow Impressionists thereby giving them much needed money to live on and creating a market. Many of his fellow 'Intransigents' as they were once referred, or Impressionists were rejected by the Salon so Caillebotte organized, financed, and promoted exhibitions bringing these future acknowledged masterpieces to public attention.

In his will, Caillebotte bequeathed to France his vast collection of now priceless paintings which the State accepted...reluctantly.

Gustave Caillebotte Self  Portrait
Musee d'Orsay
wikipedia

I can't help but think that a then unknown and struggling Monet, fresh off a sudden windfall from selling a few paintings to Caillebotte, took one of his afternoon journeys to the bakery that served those pastries he so loved. I imagine in those quiet, delicious moments of triumph he felt affirmation of his revolutionary style from a keen eye he respected and now had enough money to ease everyday burdens. It is often these timely, helpful gestures that invigorate an artist's soul into realizing a creative vision which for Monet was painting the beautiful pictures many tens of millions still stare at in awe and wonder over a century later.

We at The Den love the fine example Gustave Caillebotte set and will be looking for opportunities to honor him. We also know that in so many ways he was responsible for the most beautiful luncheon ever held.

Luncheon of the Boating Party (1881) by Renoir
The Phillips Collection Washington DC
Front right in white shirt and straw boater is Caillebotte
wikipedia

Please look in over at American Alconleigh as our dear co-conspirator is fresh back from walking the Paris Streets on a Rainy Day.