Scrapers

This is one of my favorite oils by realist painter Gustav Caillebotte for which I am in awe of his use of 'light' in this masterpiece. This painting is one of the first representations of urban proletariat. Whereas peasants (Gleaners by Millet) or country workers (Stone Breakers by Courbet) had often been shown, city workers had seldom been painted. Unlike Courbet or Millet, Caillebotte does not incorporate any social, moralising or political message in his work. His thorough documentary study (gestures, tools, accessories) justifies his position among the most accomplished realists.

The Floor Scrapers, 1875
Gustave Caillebotte 1848-1894
Oil On Canvas, 102x146.5 cm (40 1/8 x 57 5/8 in.)
Musee d'Orsay RF2718
Photograph RMN (Musee d'Orsay/Herve Lewandowski