Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2013

Although his name is not as as well known today as those of his contemporaries, Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894) was a key figure in the Impressionist movement. As a collector, he supported fellow artists such as Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Cezanne by purchasing their works. He also funded Impressionist exhibitions and acted as a mediator and facilitator for the group.

However, Caillebotte was also a painter in his own right. In recent years, his work has be re-examined, leading to a surge of new attention and interest. Now the Bridgestone Museum in Tokyo presents the first exhibition in Japan devoted to the key figure.

Much like Degas, Caillebotte depicted the changing cityscape of Paris as it underwent modernization. His work is characterized by the overflowing light common to many of the impressionists, but executed in his own fine brushwork.

Through December 29 at the Bridgestone Museum. www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp/en/exhibitions/