The artwork under discussion is a self-portrait by Paul Cézanne, created circa 1895, which demonstrates the artist’s contribution to the Post-Impressionism movement. This oil on canvas measures 55 by 46 centimeters and represents the genre of self-portraiture. Although currently held within a private collection, this piece exemplifies the characteristic style and introspective nature of Cézanne’s approach to painting.
The painting presents the artist with a solemn and pensive expression. Cézanne’s gaze is directed outwards, potentially engaging the viewer in a silent dialogue. The brushwork is loose and expressive, a hallmark of Cézanne’s late style, where the delineations of form and depth are suggested rather than meticulously defined. The color palette is subdued yet rich, with an interplay of earthy tones accentuating his facial features. The background is rendered in quick, visible strokes, mixing greens with softer hues, perhaps indicating a formless space or a glimpse of a natural setting behind him.
This self-portrait not only allows us a glimpse into Cézanne’s physical appearance but also offers insight into the psychological presence of the man behind the canvas. In this work, Cézanne captures the essence of his being, at the time, through his masterful use of color and composition, traits that influenced the subsequent generations of modern artists.
