The artwork titled “Hortense Breast Feeding Paul” is an oil on canvas genre painting created by Paul Cezanne in 1872. Exhibiting characteristics of Romanticism, the piece is a quintessential genre painting capturing an intimate moment of a mother breastfeeding her child. Although originally created in the 19th century, the artwork remains privately owned and is not on public display.
The painting portrays a tender and maternal scene; a woman—presumably Hortense, as the title suggests—resting in a half-reclined position while nurturing her infant, Paul. It encapsulates a naturalistic and deeply human subject matter that reflects the emotional depth and individualism associated with Romantic art. The tones used are subdued, with a dominance of earthy hues that contribute to the warmth and tranquility of the scene. Cezanne’s brushwork is visible and imparts a textural quality to the depiction, further emphasizing the intimate atmosphere. The gentle embrace between the mother and child is central to the composition, drawing the viewer’s eyes to the affectionate exchange and the bond shared between parent and offspring. Cezanne’s skillful handling of light and shadow adds to the work’s emotive impact, making it a quietly powerful representation of motherhood.
