The artwork “Garden at Yerres” is an oil on canvas painting created by Gustave Caillebotte around 1876. Measuring 59 cm by 81 cm, this piece falls under the landscape genre and is reflective of the Impressionist movement. The painting currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts an idyllic garden scene set at Yerres, which is likely to have been inspired by the surroundings of the artist’s family estate. The viewer’s eye is drawn to a lush cluster of red flowers forefront, creating a vibrant contrast against the more subdued tones of the path and lawn. Beyond these flowers lies a round pond or basin, anchoring the composition and providing a sense of calm symmetry.
Two buildings flank the garden. To the left, a red-roofed structure peeks through a dense array of green foliage, partly casting its shadow on the grass below. On the right, a paler building with visible window shutters adds architectural interest and further delineates the space of the garden. Light and shadow play across the scene, captured with quick, loose brushstrokes characteristic of the Impressionist style, which focus on the effects of light rather than detail.
The comfort of private, intimate spaces and the play of natural light are key elements presented in this serene landscape, showcasing Caillebotte’s skill in translating the tranquility and beauty of the garden onto canvas.
