The artwork titled “House in Provence” was created by the esteemed artist Paul Cézanne in the year 1867. This landscape piece was executed using watercolor on paper and measures 21 x 34 cm, showcasing Cézanne’s aptitude for romanticism—a movement focused on emotional depth and the sublime beauty of the natural world. Presently, the original resides within a private collection, illustrating that this work is not only significant in the art historical narrative but also remains cherished by individual connoisseurs.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a rural scene depicting a modest house ensconced amidst lush greenery. The house itself, rendered in hues of yellow ochre with a red-tiled roof, stands out against a backdrop of vibrant green trees and foliage. The application of watercolor is both fluid and expressive, suggesting a sense of immediacy to the scene. Cézanne’s brushwork seems to capture the essence of rural Provence, with bold color contrasts and a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The composition is both peaceful and dynamic, inviting the viewer to contemplate the serene environment depicted within. The blending of colors, the loose representation of forms, and the overall impressionistic quality makes “House in Provence” emblematic of the artistic innovations that would come to define Cézanne’s later work, whilst still being rooted in the Romantic ideals of its time.