For the cover of Marilyn Stokstad’s latest edition art history textbook, I would choose Gustave Caillebotte’s painting: Paris, Rainy Day. I believe this painting best represents the traditions of our history and culture through its style and subject matter, while still being reminiscent to classical art from periods such as the Renaissance.
The painting, belonging to the Impressionist movement, defines the beginning of modern art by depicting a subject matter unlike the one people were accustomed to in centuries prior to the 19th century. The subject matter being one of daily life and the middle-class. The painting, which was done in 1877, was created during a period when the Impressionists were revolutionizing art …show more content…
Although not noticeable at first, the painting incorporates a lot of techniques used in earlier centuries, such as the principles of design and linear perspective. The composition overall is very balanced. There’s a literal vertical division in the middle of the canvas where the lamppost is; moreover, a horizontal division is formed from the apartments in the background aligning with the woman’s mouth on the right. This all creates a sense of balance and harmony, characteristic of the Renaissance. Lastly, Caillebotte utilizes the technique of linear perspective ––which was very common in classical paintings–– to render the apartment buildings seen in the background.
Caillebotte’s Paris, Rainy Day is a not a very common painting, nonetheless it incorporates elements of both past and modern art history. The painting encompasses a broad range of characteristic ranging from the Renaissance to Modern Western Art. Furthermore, it has not only influenced artists in the later 20th century, but it is still influencing our culture and traditions today. Because let’s be honest, who hasn’t drawn or painted an image of daily life and normal