The artwork entitled “Villas at Villers sur Mer” is an oil on canvas painting crafted by Gustave Caillebotte in 1880. This piece, measuring 64.8 cm by 81 cm, is a fine example of the Impressionist movement that flourished in the late 19th century. Characterized by its landscape genre, the painting currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork portrays a serene coastal scene, where the focal point is an elegant villa perched on the edge of a lush hillside. The villa, featuring a rich red facade with sharp architectural details, contrasts against the softer, dappled greenery that surrounds it. The composition leads the viewer’s eye toward the expansive blue sea that stretches across the horizon. The sky above is depicted with soft brushstrokes, indicating light cloud cover and creating a sense of airy openness.
Caillebotte’s mastery of light and color is evident as he captures the changing qualities of natural light and the subtle interactions of shades and tones. The painting’s atmosphere is one of tranquility and leisure, typical of the Impressionist preoccupation with capturing fleeting moments of beauty in everyday life. Engaging the viewer with both its elegant subject matter and its luminous, textured application of paint, “Villas at Villers sur Mer” stands as a testament to Caillebotte’s contribution to the Impressionist movement and to the genre of landscape painting.
