Bathers (c. 1890-91) by Paul Cezanne

Bathers - Paul Cezanne - c.1887

Artwork Information

TitleBathers
ArtistPaul Cezanne
Datec.1887
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions21 3/8 x 26 1/8 in. (54.2 x 66.5 cm.)
Art MovementImpressionism
Current LocationHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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About Bathers

Paul Cezanne’s painting, “The Bather,” is a masterpiece of the modern era. The work portrays an adolescent boy mid-step in a watery landscape, breaking with precedent by representing the figure in this way. As the father of modern art, Cezanne influenced renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. The painting made it to the Top 100 on a BBC special of the greatest paintings of the century.

Cezanne worked on “The Bathers” for seven years and considered it unfinished at the time of his death in 1906. He made a series of five paintings centering around bathers, and “The Large Bathers” is regarded as one of his most influential works highlighting figure painting at the turn of the century.

Cezanne’s approach to painting veered from traditional interpretations that resembled photographs. Instead, he sought to capture emotions through abstraction while carefully manipulating line, composition, color, and texture until they all coalesced into a harmonious whole. His innovative techniques revolutionized art theory throughout Europe and later inspired modern art movements such as cubism.

In summary, Paul Cezanne’s powerfully innovative painting style shows itself through his masterful portrayal in “The Bathers.” Through careful manipulation of various techniques including color composition and line manipulation over several years shows how hard-working dedication can create iconic works with significant influence on artistic theory for generations to come.

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