One fine day last summer, I strolled the streets of Paris with my grandmother: something I had dreamed about doing my whole life.
Both sets of my grandparents can be referred to as "world travelers." My whole life they have been venturing to new places and sharing their experiences with me. From Scotland to Italy, I became accustomed to post cards and numerous souvenirs, but what I longed for was the trip itself. I wanted to stand and live in those places, not just see them through a Kodak camera.
I was born and raised to appreciate and love other cultures, so naturally I have become quite the world traveler myself. I have journeyed to Uruguay, Mexico, France, and England: all before the age of 18. Out of those countries though, France remains my absolute favorite. From learning bits of French as a toddler and taking upper level french in high school, I am practically a Frenchman in all but name. The laid back life style as well as the incredible architecture and art is so romantic and ideal. You don't just love France, you fall for it.
Along with my love of all things french, I also have a love for french impressionism. So where do I combine my love for a specific nationality and paintings? The Musee d'Orsay. Having some background knowledge of the artists featured in the museum from my favorite impressionists book, I made a list of every single piece I wanted to see, number one being The Floor Scrapers by Gustave Caillebotte.
While taking arts and humanities in high school, we were asked to find a painting and critique it. Browsing Google Images I came across a painting that literally took my breath away. Not many things in one's life can cause such and emotional reaction, especially paint on canvas. Being somewhat of an art conesure, the brush strokes of Caillebotte captured me and drew me in. At first glance the scene seems to be just three men renovating an apartment, but after taking a deeper look, it can be taken for much more.
There is so much to say about this work of art, where to begin? First, Caillebotte utilizes shape and value to start the eye's journey throughout the painting. The richness of the wood and the two men in the foreground combine to create a focal point. The lightness of the bare wood moves the eye to the outstreached arm of the last man to the side. From the last man's leg, the eye of the onlooker moves to the horizontal and simple lines of the base of the walls. This creates movement back to the wine bottle on the floor which then flows to the first man in the beginning.
The techniche of this work is not the only impressive aspect, but the emotion Caillebotte gives to this simple scene. In the painting each man's face is hidden. Not completely opaque but shadowed enough to give no specific identification. This combined with the muscles of thier backs and shoulders lets the viewer realize how tiering the life of the hardworking can be. Sometimes the reality of humanity can be clouded by social and material status.
It is possible Caillebotte did not intend for a political message to be taken from his work, but none the less it is an awe inspiring painting. The simplicity makes such an impact. The Floor Scrappers is my favorite painting and it is even more beautiful in person. Paris and Caillebotte in one day? I guess c'est la vie.
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