The artwork “Bather Preparing to Dive” is an oil on canvas painting by Gustave Caillebotte, dated around 1878. Measuring 117 by 89 centimeters, it is a genre painting influenced by the Impressionist movement, and as of the latest records, it is housed in a private collection.
This work of art depicts an intimate moment of leisure by the water, where a central figure is seen preparing to dive. The bather stands at the edge of a wooden platform, in a poised stance that suggests he is gathering momentum for his imminent plunge into the water. His back is turned towards the viewer, lending an air of tension and anticipation to the piece. In the foreground, another person is seen bent over, attentively engaging with something on the platform, possibly securing it or adjusting their own attire.
The scene is set amid lush greenery that borders the calm water, which is rendered in a harmonious blend of blues, greens, and the gentle brushstrokes typical of the Impressionist style. The play of light and shadow creates a dappled effect, vividly capturing the outdoor atmosphere, and underscores the sense of fleeting, transient moments that Impressionism sought to convey. The composition balances human activity with the serenity of nature, thus reflecting the genre’s fascination with everyday life and its intersection with the natural world.
