CAILLEBOTTE

Known as the Patron of the Impressionists, Gustave Caillebotte is famous for his paintings like Paris Street, and Rainy Day, with its almost life-size figures, glistening pavements and wonderfully odd perspective. More than any other French Impressionist, Caillebotte (1848-1894) observed and depicted the many men in his life including his brothers and friends, employees and the workers and well-heeled residents in his Parisian neighbourhood. His best-known works include the spectacular and lifelike The Floor Scrapers, Man at his Bath, Young Man at his Window, and Boating Party. At Bibliophile, we're especially fond of his gentle, everyday scenes along the Seine - roses in bloom, dogs on their rounds, sailboats drifting by, serene bathers, elegant women reading, and even grandmothers knitting with quiet dignity. And then there's the pièce de résistance on the cover of this Könemann edition: Le Pont de l'Europe - a dog trotting away in the foreground, a thoughtful man leaning on the iron bridge, and a smart Parisian couple strolling towards us in the soft city sunshine. A perfect distillation of Caillebotte's charm, clarity, and quiet brilliance. A new publication full of delights and in a much handier size than the massive originals. Roughly 150 quality reproductions in full colour on glossy pages measuring 24 x 28cm. 190pp, maps of museums.