Chrysanthemums in the Garden at Petit Gennevilliers

By 1893 Caillebotte had largely retired from urban subject matter and devoted himself to his garden at Petit Gennevilliers on the Seine. His chrysanthemum paintings are among the most richly textured of his late career, showing a close observation of plant forms that rivals the horticultural obsession of his friend Monet at Giverny. These garden works were painted for personal pleasure rather than exhibition and represent a private, contemplative side of Caillebotte rarely seen in his famous street scenes. The Metropolitan Museum's version captures the dense, globe-like blooms in full autumn glory, demonstrating his facility with complex floral subjects.

Dense, impasto strokes build up the chrysanthemum blooms in layered whites, yellows, and pinks. Caillebotte works with a relatively limited palette here, using green foliage as contrast to the warm flower masses. The composition fills the canvas edge to edge with botanical density.