The artwork “Bather from the Back” is a compelling piece by the esteemed artist Paul Cézanne dating back to 1878. Employing oil on canvas as his medium, this artwork is a testament to Cézanne’s involvement with the Impressionism movement, albeit with his distinct leanings towards post-Impressionism that he would become known for. The piece measures a modest 24.2 x 19.4 cm and represents the genre painting category within the broader “Bathers” series. Currently, this artwork resides within a private collection.
The painting captures a single figure of a bather, viewed from the back, which is a recurring theme in Cézanne’s work. The bather’s form is robust, characterized by broad, painterly strokes that grant the figure a weighty presence amidst the surrounding natural environment. The background is suffused with greens and yellows, suggesting a lush landscape setting, while swift brushwork evokes a sensation of light and movement. The artwork, while impressionistic in its technique, hints towards the artist’s transition to a style more grounded in the exploration of form and volume, embodying the inclinations that defined Cézanne’s unique contribution to the art world.
