Gustave Caillebotte (French, 1848–1894)

Born in 1848 to a wealthy Parisian family, Caillebotte held a law degree and was an engineer. He began painting seriously after serving in the Franco-Prussian War, developing a unique career.¹

After inheriting his father's fortune in 1874, Caillebotte used his wealth to support struggling Impressionist friends by purchasing their works, becoming their most significant patron.¹

In 1875, his masterpiece 'The Floor Scrapers' was rejected by the Salon as 'vulgar.' Depicting urban laborers was then considered scandalous, as only rural peasants were deemed acceptable subjects.¹

At the 1877 Impressionist exhibition, he led the organization from venue selection to hanging works. He debuted 'Paris Street; Rainy Day,' which gained attention for its modern composition.¹

Upon his early death in 1894, he bequeathed his Impressionist collection to the state. Despite initial controversy, it now forms the core of the Impressionist collection at the Musée d'Orsay.¹

For a long time, his reputation as a painter was overshadowed by his role as a patron. His first international retrospective wasn't held until 1994, 100 years after his death.¹

In 2022, 'Boating Party' was declared a National Treasure of France. Its immersive, close-up perspective is now recognized as a pioneering expression akin to modern cinema and photography.¹