The artwork titled “Boulevard Haussmann in the Snow” is an oil on canvas painted by Gustave Caillebotte, a notable artist associated with the Impressionism movement. Dating from approximately 1879 to 1881, the piece measures 65 by 82 centimeters and is a cityscape genre depicting a view of Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. This notable piece of Impressionist art is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, Caillebotte captures a wintery scene with snow blanketing the grand boulevard and the buildings that line it. The streets appear lively yet muted, with figures that are visible but not detailed, conveying the constant yet impersonal flow of city life. The use of light and shadow is subtle, and the wintry atmosphere is convincingly rendered through muted colors and a restrained palette, typical of Caillebotte’s work. The viewpoint from an elevated perspective creates a sense of observing the scene from a distance, possibly from a balcony, as suggested by the ornate balustrade in the foreground—one of the few contrasting elements in the composition. The impression of falling snow and the cold environment is palpable, evoking the sensation of Paris in the grip of winter. The brushwork is loose yet deliberate, perfectly in keeping with the Impressionist style’s emphasis on capturing a moment in time, with a particular focus on light and atmosphere.
