The artwork “Madame Cezanne with Hortensias” by Paul Cezanne, dated 1885, represents a notable example of the Post-Impressionist movement. Executed using watercolor on paper, this piece can be categorized under the genre of sketch and study. While currently part of a private collection, the artwork exhibits Cezanne’s experimentation with form and color, which was characteristic of his style during this period.
The artwork features two principal subjects; to the right, there is a portrait of a woman, presumably Madame Cezanne, depicted in a relaxed posture with her head resting on her hand. Her facial expression is one of contemplation or rest, rendered with loose, yet deliberate pencil strokes that capture the essence of her features without delving into detailed realism. The left side showcases a lush cluster of hydrangeas (hortensias), with various shades of green and hints of color indicating the petals. These are painted with a light touch, allowing the paper’s texture to show through the watercolors, lending an ethereal quality to the depiction of the flowers. The contrast between the detailed line work of the portrait and the more fluid, transparent depiction of the hortensias creates a balance within the composition, reflecting Cezanne’s investigation of depth and perspective. Overall, the piece offers a glimpse into the artist’s process and his exploration of the visual interplay between human subjects and nature.
