Paul Cézanne, a master of post-Impressionism, created the artwork entitled “Self-Portrait” in 1864. The medium of this introspective piece is oil on canvas, and it aligns with the genre of self-portraiture, characteristic of Romanticism in its expressive and personal nature at the time. Although the artwork is currently held within a private collection and thus its viewing may be limited, the power of Cézanne’s work endures through its reflective nature and the artist’s historical significance.
In the artwork, Cézanne presents himself with a direct and penetrating gaze that confronts the viewer. His expression is serious, hinting at introspection and perhaps a touch of somberness. The painting’s palette is subdued, with a concentration on earthy tones that are used to define his facial features and clothing with robust brushwork. Dark browns and blacks dominate the background and his attire, placing the focus firmly on his face, which is painted with a stark contrast between the flesh tones and the shadows. His eyes are particularly arresting, seemingly following the viewer, a common trait in portraiture designed to create a sense of engagement between the subject and the onlooker. Cézanne’s technical approach, with bold and impactful strokes, foreshadows the shift towards the Post-Impressionism movement where he would later play a crucial role.
