The artwork entitled “Millstone and Cistern Under Trees” is a creation by the renowned artist Paul Cezanne, dated circa 1894. This oil on canvas masterpiece is a significant exemplar of the Post-Impressionist movement, measuring 65.1 by 81 cm. The genre of this piece is classified as landscape and it currently resides at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA, United States.
“Millstone and Cistern Under Trees” portrays a vivid, dappled scene filled with lush vegetation and the tranquility of nature. The canvas pulsates with an array of colors and energetic brushstrokes, a technique that Cezanne was known for, capturing the essence of the landscape’s shifting light and form. The slightly abstract depiction of the millstone and cistern, which are partially obscured by the interplay of light and shadow amid the greenery, anchors the composition. In this seemingly serene setting, Cezanne explores the balance and harmony within the natural environment. The trees, which are depicted with vertical and dynamic lines, orchestrate a symphony of shapes and colors, reflecting the artist’s intention to transcend the mere imitation of nature, aiming instead to express its underlying structures.
