The artwork titled “Skiffs on the Yerres” is a creation of the artist Gustave Caillebotte dated to 1877. This oil on canvas piece measures 88.9 cm by 116.2 cm and belongs to the Impressionism art movement, often classified as genre painting. The artwork is presently housed in the National Gallery of Art, located in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork depicts a serene outdoor setting where boating is the main activity. In the foreground, a skiff is navigated by a single figure wielding a pair of yellow oars, their stroke cutting through the rippling water. The boatman, donning a straw hat and a casual ensemble with rolled-up sleeves and pale trousers, is captured in a side profile as they are concentrated on the motion of rowing. His hat shields his face, creating a sense of tranquil anonymity and allowing the observer to focus on the action and environment.
Behind this central figure, another skiff is visible, piloted by an individual whose poised stance speaks to the gentle movement and leisurely pace of the activity. In the background, further diminutive forms suggest additional people engaging in boating, blending into the dappled reflections and lush greens that frame the riverbank.
The artist has employed light and color to imbue the scene with a sense of immediacy and the transitory effects of sunlight on water. The dabs and strokes of paint catch the shimmering light and dancing reflections, characteristic of the Impressionist fascination with nature’s changing qualities. The overall effect is one of peacefulness and a fleeting moment captured in time, typical of the Impressionist genre and Caillebotte’s meticulous yet expressive style.
