The artwork “Madame Cezanne with a Yellow Armchair” is an important piece by artist Paul Cezanne, dating back to circa 1890. This oil on canvas painting falls under the Post-Impressionism movement, specifically within the genre of portraiture. As of the time of this description, the artwork resides within a private collection.
The subject of the artwork is a female figure seated against a backdrop featuring a yellow armchair. The figure is depicted with a calm, yet slightly detached expression, embodying a sense of stillness and introspection. The color palette utilized by Cezanne is rich and earthy, with a dominance of reds in the figure’s clothing that contrasts effectively against the more muted tones of the background. The brushwork exhibits the characteristic Post-Impressionistic style of Cezanne, utilizing geometry and color to explore form and spatial relationships. Cezanne’s approach to portraiture, as exemplified in this piece, avoids the idealization of the subject, opting instead to capture the essence and psychological presence of the individual. The woman’s gaze does not meet the viewer, adding to the introspective quality of the piece. In conclusion, this artwork is a significant example of Cezanne’s contribution to the evolution of modern art, marking a departure from the precise realism of earlier movements and embracing the subjective expression that would influence future generations of artists.
