Fine Art to Street Art: Gustave Caillebotte

One of my favourite paintings at the Musée d’Orsay is Gustave Caillebotte’s 1875 work, “Les raboteurs de parquet” (The floor scrapers).

I love the use of the light, that the men are working in unison – but are still solitary figures, and that an everyday task is elevated to fine art.

So imagine my delight when I was walking along Rue de l’Arbalète, near Rue Mouffetard…and spotted a street art take on Caillebotte’s piece.

Standing out from the usual graffiti of the city, and even from the more modern and artistically inclined street art that sometimes makes an appearance, I like that a classic masterpiece was interpreted in a contemporary way.

Next time you’re in Paris, especially in the 13ième and the 5ième, look for the street art curated by Lézarts de la Bièvre.