Paul Cézanne’s “Self-Portrait in a Casquette” is a remarkable oil on canvas artwork that dates back to circa 1872. As an exemplary piece from the Impressionist art movement, the painting captures the artist’s self-representation with dimensions of 53 x 39.7 cm. Renowned for its genre as a self-portrait, this painting is currently housed at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, adding to the rich collection of masterpieces within its walls.
The artwork reveals Cézanne with a beard and a casquette, or a cap, which adds depth to the expression captured in the self-portrait. His gaze is focused and appears to be looking off to the side, giving a contemplative or introspective demeanor. The strokes are loose, yet deliberate, with coloration that employs the warm tones of oranges and browns on the face to contrast against the cooler blues and purples of the background. This nuanced interplay of warm and cool hues exemplifies the Impressionist fascination with light and its effects on color.
The brushwork is characteristic of Impressionist technique, aiming to capture the essence and emotion of the subject rather than presenting a hyper-realistic depiction. The overall effect of the artwork is one that conveys a sense of presence and personality, offering viewers a glimpse into Cézanne’s introspection and state of mind at the time of the painting’s creation.
