The artwork titled “Rue des Saules. Montmartre” was created by the artist Paul Cézanne in 1867. It is an oil on canvas cityscape that encapsulates the essence of Romanticism, despite Cézanne being typically associated with Post-Impressionism. This piece is currently held in a private collection.
Upon inspection, the artwork portrays a vivid scene of Montmartre, a notable district in Paris known for its bohemian and artistic history. The brushwork is expressive, with visible and dynamic strokes that animate the surfaces of the architecture and the cobblestone street. The color palette is somewhat subdued, imbued with earthy tones that reflect the urban landscape. Shades of yellow and ochre are predominant in the buildings, while the sky is rendered in muted hues of blue and gray, suggesting a cloudy or overcast day.
The composition draws the viewer’s eye through the winding street of the cityscape, flanked by buildings with varied textures and architectural details. There is a notable lack of human figures in the scene, which places the entire focus on the interplay of forms and light within the urban environment. The trees and vegetation are depicted through quick, impassioned brushstrokes that highlight their organic nature against the structured backdrop.
Overall, “Rue des Saules. Montmartre” captures a moment in time with a romantic sensibility that emphasizes the emotional and pictorial qualities of the scene. It serves as an enduring visual record of Montmartre in the 19th century, as interpreted by Cézanne’s unique artistic vision.
