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Learn MoreOrchidées dans un vase by Gustave Caillebotte
- Caillebotte’s rare floral still life, Orchidées dans un vase, captures light and life
- It shows his signature use of contrasting tones to enhance the composition’s depth
- A key figure of Impressionism, Caillebotte influenced peers and institutions worldwide
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- Get complete item description here
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1848-1894 | French
Orchidées dans un vase
Stamped “G. Caillebotte” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
Renowned among his contemporaries and cherished by scholars and collectors, Gustave Caillebotte represents the very core of Impressionism. This rare still life, Orchidées dans un vase, captures the artist’s distinct approach to painting through a powerful study of light, depth and detail. The work presents a delicate bouquet of white orchids contrasted by a single. . .
1848-1894 | French
Orchidées dans un vase
Stamped “G. Caillebotte” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
Renowned among his contemporaries and cherished by scholars and collectors, Gustave Caillebotte represents the very core of Impressionism. This rare still life, Orchidées dans un vase, captures the artist’s distinct approach to painting through a powerful study of light, depth and detail. The work presents a delicate bouquet of white orchids contrasted by a single red bloom, both set against a deep-toned background, highlighting Caillebotte’s exceptional ability to convey both elegance and emotional depth. Visually striking and endlessly compelling, this remarkable painting remained in Caillebotte’s personal collection until his death. It was then passed down through his family, and it has never been offered to market until now.
In this exceptional composition, Caillebotte masterfully renders the orchids with dynamic brushstrokes and nuanced color. The white petals are suffused with subtle shades of green and cream, harmonizing against the dark backdrop and emphasizing the single red orchid that adds a focal point of warmth and contrast. Further elevating this composition is Caillebotte's careful attention to the beautiful floral motifs in the yellow porcelain vase, emitting a delicate and warm yellow glow. His meticulous attention to natural light is evident, lending the flowers a lifelike and distinctly impressionistic presence.
Caillebotte, a pioneer of Impressionism and close friend to Monet, Renoir and Degas, stands as one of the movement’s defining figures. His iconic work, Paris Street; Rainy Day, has become synonymous with the Impressionist movement and is one of the most famous paintings in history. Not only was Caillebotte a prolific artist, but he also played an instrumental role in supporting his peers, thereby shaping the trajectory of Impressionism. Caillebotte’s substantial contribution to the art world extended to his transformative bequest of his Impressionist collection to the French government, which became foundational to the Musée d'Orsay's collection. His works continue to be celebrated in prominent museums globally, including the National Gallery of Art and the Musée d'Orsay, which recently opened a major exhibition on Caillebotte in October 2024.
Painted in 1893
Canvas: 15 5/8" high x 10 1/4" wide (39.69 x 26.04 cm)
Frame: 26 3/8" high x 21" wide x 2" deep (66.99 x 53.34 cm)
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Exhibitions:
London, Wildenstein & Co., Gustave Caillebotte 1848-1894, in aid of The Hertford British Hospital in Paris, June 15th-July 16th 1966, p. 25, no. 36. (titled Fleurs dans un vase, dated 1887)
Literature:
M. Berhaut, Gustave Caillebotte, sa vie et son œuvre. Catalogue raisonné des peintures et pastels, Paris, 1978, p. 241, no. 475 (illustrated, dated 1894)
M. Berhaut, Gustave Caillebotte, catalogue raisonné des peintures et pastels, Paris, 1994, p. 250, no. 483 (illustrated)
Provenance:
The artist's estate
Private collection, Paris
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Maker: | Caillebotte, Gustave |
Period: | 1816-1918 |
Origin: | France |
Type: | Paintings |
Style: | Impressionism |
Depth: | 2.0 in. (5.08 cm) |
Width: | 21.0 in. (53.34 cm) |
Height: | 26.38 in. (66.99 cm) |
Canvas Width: | 10.250 in. (26.04 cm) |
Canvas Height: | 15.625 in. (39.69 cm) |
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Read MoreAt M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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