“The Floor Scrapers”
I’m very excited to share today’s piece…
This wonderful oil on canvas painting is by the French artist, Gustave Caillebotte, from 1875. It is titled “Les Raboteurs de parquet” or “The Floor Scrapers”. This is often considered Caillebotte’s earliest masterpiece. It was first exhibited at the second Impressionist art show in 1876 in Paris, France.
Caillebotte showed an early interest in photography as an art form, and many critics believe his interest in photography shaped the composition of his works, particularly in terms of perspective, angled floors, and a higher vantage point. This piece in particular depicts a more modern and unusual perspective.
Caillebotte used his art studio at 77 Rue de Miromesnil in the 8th arrondissement of Paris as the setting. This is one of the earliest pieces to depict the daily lives of the urban working class. Most working-class depictions were of the rural peasants working the fields.
Caillebotte is mostly associated with the Impressionism art movement, though his art is more of a combination of Realism and Impressionism. He blends the two styles beautifully in this piece. The details and precision are realism, but the natural light, relaxed poses, and movement are impressionism.
Caillebotte completed two versions of this painting. This is the first one. The second painting was made in 1876. This painting was actually rejected from the Paris Salon in 1875. The subject matter, shirtless urban working-class men, was seen as too vulgar at the time.
“The Floor Scrapers” is currently on display at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
For more on Gustave Caillebotte, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
