Yerres, Soldiers in the Woods 1871

"Soldiers in the Woods" (1871) by Gustave Caillebotte depicts a group of soldiers resting in a wooded clearing. The Impressionist style is evident in the loose brushstrokes and focus on light and atmosphere. The painting's intimate scale and focus on a single moment in time differ from Caillebotte's more well-known urban scenes. This work reveals the artist's interest in capturing everyday life, even in a military context. The painting's soft, muted tones create a sense of tranquility despite the presence of soldiers, hinting at the quiet moments that soldiers found amidst the chaos of war.