The artwork titled “Hors d’Oeuvre,” created by Gustave Caillebotte circa 1881-1882, is a fine example of the Impressionist movement. This still life is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 25 x 55 cm, and is currently held in a private collection. Caillebotte’s piece is distinguished by its embodiment of the Impressionist style, characterized by loose brushwork and an interest in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere.
In “Hors d’Oeuvre,” Caillebotte presents a series of four appetizer dishes arrayed against a muted blue background that suggests a tabletop or counter. Each dish is vividly depicted with a dynamic interplay of color and texture, encapsulating the variety of the food items. The first platter from the left appears to contain small baked pastries, possibly vol-au-vents, rendered with golden tones and soft highlights, suggesting a flaky texture. The second dish holds what look like radishes nestled in a bed of greenery, their red hues standing out against the verdant leaves. The third platter features shrimp, captured with reddish-brown strokes and a sense of succulent opacity, conveying the seafood’s glossy sheen. Finally, the farthest dish displays sliced, circular food items—perhaps cured meats or sausages—with their earthy colors and marbled patterns.
Caillebotte’s Impressionist technique is evident in the loose, rapid brushwork that imparts a sense of immediacy and the fleeting nature of the moment. He plays with shadow and light to give depth and dimension to the dishes and their contents, eschewing meticulous detail in favor of an emotive and sensory impression that resonates with the viewer’s own experience of such culinary delights. The artwork, through its focus on everyday objects, emphasizes the beauty and aesthetic value found in common experiences, a hallmark of Impressionist philosophy.
