The artwork titled “Portrait of Louis Guillaume” is an oil on canvas painting by Paul Cezanne, created around the year 1880. The piece is an exemplary work from the Post-Impressionist movement, with dimensions of approximately 56 by 47 centimeters. This work falls under the genre of portraiture, a field Cezanne has contributed to significantly throughout his career.
In this artwork, the viewer is presented with the bust of a young male figure, presumed to be Louis Guillaume. The subject is depicted with a direct gaze, looking slightly to the left of the viewer. His face shows the distinctive brushwork of Cezanne, with an interplay of light and shadow that gives depth to his features. His complexion is rendered with a variety of hues, suggesting a naturalistic approach to capturing the subtleties of skin tone.
The figure is dressed in what appears to be dark, formal attire with a white shirt and a bow tie, typical for the period. Cezanne’s use of color and brushstroke in the clothing contrasts with the more delicate treatment of the face, creating a dynamic texture throughout the painting. The subject’s hair is neatly styled, giving an impression of youth and perhaps formality or propriety.
In the background, there is a wash of muted colors that do not distract from the subject, but rather serve to highlight his presence within the frame. A hint of an object or furnishing behind the subject is perceptible, though it is enigmatic and understated, contributing to the atmosphere without providing a specific context.
Overall, the artwork conveys Cezanne’s unique approach to portraiture, balancing a faithful representation of the subject with the artist’s interest in exploring form and color, hallmarks of the Post-Impressionist style.
