The artwork “Landscape, Banks of the Yerres” was painted by Gustave Caillebotte around 1875. This piece, rendered in oil on board, measures 40 by 49 cm and is a fine example of the Impressionist movement. The genre of this work is landscape, and it currently resides within a private collection.
Depicting a serene natural setting, the artwork captures the gentle play of light and shadow characteristic of Impressionist landscapes. Upon the canvas, one can discern the verdant foliage of trees delicately arching over the calm waters of the Yerres River. The painter employs a palette that conveys the vibrancy of nature with expressive brushstrokes, evoking the movement of leaves and the reflective quality of water. This outdoor scene, likely painted en plein air, invites the viewer to experience the fleeting moments of natural beauty typical of Impressionist works, emphasizing transient light effects and atmospheric conditions.
The composition of “Landscape, Banks of the Yerres” places a strong vertical element—the trunk of a tree—near the center, which anchors the viewer’s gaze. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves creates patterns of light and dark on the surface of the water, while the underbrush and the riverbank offer contrasts in texture and color. Overall, the painting embodies the tranquility and ephemeral nature of a riverside landscape, captured through the distinctive techniques of Impressionism.
