Yerres, the Aviary in the Ornamental Farm 1878

Gustave Caillebotte captured this view of the aviary in the ornamental farm at Yerres using oil on canvas. Looking closely, we can see how Caillebotte built up the scene with brisk, thick strokes of paint, layering tones to capture the light filtering through the trees. The texture isn't just descriptive; it's expressive. It speaks to the labor involved in its creation and adds dynamism. Caillebotte's Impressionist style, while seemingly spontaneous, required a high degree of skill and a deep understanding of his materials. It's a reminder that even artworks that appear effortless are the product of extensive, thoughtful, and skilled work. Understanding the process and materials helps us appreciate the artwork's full meaning, moving beyond the traditional divide between fine art and craft.