There’s one work of art that’s revered among all others in the wood flooring industry, and, of course, that’s “Les Raboteurs de Parquet.” The oil painting by Gustave Caillebotte was rejected when initially presented for display in 1875—the Museé d’Orsay, where the work now resides, says the jury was “doubtless shocked by this crude realism (some critics spoke of a ‘vulgar subject’).” Fast forward to Europe in 2023, and lifelong Italian wood flooring pro Giovanni Sonzogni of Milan had the idea to recreate the scene while at the annual Workcamp Parquet gathering, during which elite wood flooring pros from around the world meet to restore a historical wood floor. At the Bishop’s Palace in Gyor, Hungary, Sonzogni (middle), posed with fellow Italian pros (at right) Giorgio Bramini and (at left) Pietro Belloni, who is the president of the Italian Association of Woodworkers, AIPPL. Astute observers may notice that a key object from the original painting is missing from the recreated scene: “Unfortunately, it was forbidden to bring food and drinks into the workplace, so we were unable to add the famous bottle of wine featured in the original painting,” Sonzogni explains.
"Les raboteurs de parquet" by French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte.Google Arts & Culture
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