The artwork, “Portrait of Paul Cezanne,” was created by Camille Pissarro in 1874. This oil on canvas painting is a seminal work of the Impressionist movement, measuring 73 by 59.7 centimeters and categorized as a portrait. Currently, the artwork is housed in a private collection.
The painting presents a seated male figure who appears to be gazing off to the side, engaging with someone outside of the painting’s frame, or lost in contemplation. The subject, Paul Cezanne, is depicted with a full beard and is wearing a hat and a dark-colored overcoat. The brushstrokes are typical of Impressionist technique—loose yet deliberate, capturing a sense of life and immediacy rather than meticulous detail.
Behind Cezanne, one can observe background details including a wall adorned with posters or artwork, featuring what appears to be the word “ECLIPSE” and other illegible text, as well as images or sketches. The blended use of colors and the candidness of the portrayal are indicative of the revolutionary style of the time, emphasizing the artist’s perception and experience of the moment over the exact replication of the scene. The overall composition and color palette exhibit warmth and the intimate atmosphere characteristic of many Impressionist works.
