With its almost life-sized figures and unconventional perspective, Paris Street, Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894) was presented in 1877 at the third impressionist exhibition. It became not only one of the artist’s principal works, but also an icon of the impressionist movement. While the French painter and collector produced more realistic works than many in the group, Caillebotte became one of the most important patrons of impressionism, supporting many of his fellow artists and friends, including Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro.

Caillebotte sheds new light on Paris Street, Rainy Day in the context of Caillebotte’s innovative artistic work, introducing him as a driving force in the establishment of impressionism and describing his intense exchanges with fellow artists. The book also depicts Caillebotte’s personal interpretation of impressionism—one of striking directness and with sections of bold imagery—and his activities as a patron of art. Coming as he did from an upper-class Parisian family, Caillebotte was able to help finance exhibitions and, as a collector, attempted to establish impressionist works in public collections.

Featuring eighty color illustrations of the works of Caillebotte and others, this book is a compelling look at a central player of the impressionist movement.