Soleils, Jardin du Petit Gennevilliers

Gustave Caillebotte was a central figure and significant collector of Impressionism. He shared a profound passion for gardening with his close friend Claude Monet, through which they maintained a close exchange. Soleils, Jardin du Petit Gennevilliers was painted in the garden that he personally cultivated and it is an important work marking the thematic and stylistic transition of his late creations. The artist captures the light and shadow in the woods and the lively posture of sunflowers in the bluish-green tone, with swift and relaxed brushstrokes. The composition demonstrates the influence of emerging photography through its radical cropping, creating a visually modern and impactful scene. As one of key figures who devoted to promoting Impressionism, Caillebotte donated his precious collection to the French government, which helped the movement gain official recognition, and enabled these works to be introduced from private collection to public domain, making it highly significant.