The artwork “Boat at Anchor on the Seine” by Gustave Caillebotte is an oil on canvas painting dating from around 1890 to 1891. With dimensions of 41.2 x 32.7 cm, this piece is a representation of the Impressionism movement, portraying a landscape scene. The painting currently resides within a private collection.
In the artwork, the serene tableau of a boat tethered on the gently rippling waters of the Seine unfolds. The palette is dominated by calming shades of blue, capturing the reflective quality of water under a tranquil sky. Short brushstrokes characteristic of the Impressionist style impart a sense of movement to the water’s surface, suggesting the ebb and flow of the river’s currents. In the middle ground, the boat itself is depicted with an economy of detail that nevertheless conveys its solid presence against the fluidity of its surroundings. The background features a soft rendering of trees lining the far bank of the river, their green hues providing a subtle contrast to the dominant blues. Above, the expanse of the sky is portrayed with light brushwork, indicating a clear day. The composition is balanced and rests the viewer’s gaze on the central subject—the boat at anchor—while the play of light and color across the canvas encapsulates the fleeting impressions that are a hallmark of Impressionist art.
