Dahlias, Garden at Petit Gennevilliers

Although best known as a leading figure of Impressionism, Gustave Caillebotte was also a passionate gardener, sailor, and designer. Dahlias, Garden at Petit Gennevilliers painted just one year before his untimely death at the age of 45 shows his deep fascination with horticulture. The painting depicts the garden he designed at his estate in Petit Gennevilliers, a suburb northwest of Paris, where he spent much of the final decade of his life cultivating flowers, painting, and sailing on the Seine.

The composition is dominated by vibrant dahlias blooming in the foreground, their rich colors contrasting with the soft greens of the garden and the pale blue sky above. Near the greenhouse, a woman (probably Caillebotte's longtime companion, Charlotte Berthier) examines an object in her hands while a small dog looks toward the viewer. 

Caillebotte's mastery of composition is evident in the strong perspective that guides the eye through the garden toward the house and greenhouse. This careful structuring of space recalls the dramatic viewpoints of his celebrated urban scenes, such as Paris Street; Rainy Day, while demonstrating how effectively he translated the same visual sophistication to a rural setting.

P.S. Caillebotte’s vibrant dahlias are just one example of how artists have celebrated flowers throughout the centuries. Discover more floral masterpieces in our Flowers in Art 50 Postcards Set.

P.P.S. Today's artist was one of the most accomplished of the Impressionists. Discover the art of Gustave Caillebotte in 10 paintings!