The artwork titled “Horses in the Stable,” created by the artist Gustave Caillebotte around 1874, exemplifies the Impressionist movement with its use of light and brushwork. This oil on canvas measures 33 by 46 centimeters and falls within the genre of animal painting. Currently, it resides within a private collection. This piece is a notable example of Caillebotte’s exploration of various subjects beyond his more recognized urban scenes.
In “Horses in the Stable,” Caillebotte presents a naturalistic and somewhat dark depiction of horses within their confines. The composition is imbued with calmness, capturing a moment of stillness in the animals’ daily existence. The horses appear to be at rest, with one horse partly obscured by the edge of a wooden stall while the other stands facing the viewer. The lighting in the artwork is subtle, emphasizing the intimacy of the stable environment. Caillebotte’s loose brushwork, typical of the Impressionist style, is evident in the rendering of the horses’ coats, the wooden surfaces, and the straw-covered ground. The choice of color palette, dominated by earthy, muted tones, reinforces the quiet and serene atmosphere of the stable.
