Sketchbook Possibly 1883 - 1887

This is a sketchbook by Gustave Caillebotte, created in France sometime between 1860 and 1890. Caillebotte was born into the French upper class during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization. As a white, heterosexual, cisgender man of means, Caillebotte was able to move through society with a certain freedom. His privilege afforded him the time and resources to create art which, in turn, influenced how society saw itself at that time. The left side of the sketchbook is blank, while the right side contains a watercolor landscape painting. The open sketchbook invites us into Caillebotte's creative process. It makes us witness to both the potential of the blank page and the fulfillment of a tranquil country scene. Although Caillebotte was a member of the impressionist circle, he had a penchant for realism. In this piece, the blend between realism and the unfinished, undefined quality of impressionism, invites viewers to contemplate our relationship with the natural world. It encourages us to value both the clarity and the mystery of the landscapes we inhabit.