The artwork “Landscape” by Paul Cézanne, created in 1870, is an oil on canvas piece that measures 53.7 x 65 cm. Although the art movement Romanticism was mentioned, this artwork is more typically associated with Post-Impressionism, a movement in which Cézanne played a pivotal role. The landscape genre of this piece resonates with Cézanne’s exploration of natural forms through color and composition. This particular painting is housed in the Städel Museum in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Describing the artwork, one observes a natural setting depicted with robust and dynamic brushstrokes. The composition features a scenic view of trees and rocky formations. The environment appears almost secluded, giving an impression of a serene, untouched landscape. Cézanne’s use of light and shadow imbues the scene with substance and depth, as the contrasts between the elements accentuate the perception of space and form. The brushwork is loose yet deliberate, showcasing Cézanne’s unique approach to capturing the texture and essence of the natural world. The color palette is dominated by earthy greens and browns, punctuated by highlights of sunlit rock faces, which suggest a strong source of light cast onto the scene. As with many of Cézanne’s works, there’s an emphasis on the structural aspects of nature, a precursor to the geometrical tendencies seen in the later development of Cubism.