The artwork in question is a self-portrait by the esteemed Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, dating from approximately 1896. This piece is executed in watercolor on paper and measures 26 by 22 centimeters. Characteristic of the self-portrait genre, the painting offers an introspective look at the artist himself and is currently held in a private collection.
In this self-portrait, Cézanne captures his own visage with the loose brushwork and muted color palette that are emblematic of his distinct style. The fluidity of the watercolor medium allows for a blend of colors that gives the artwork a sense of both form and ephemerality. The face is rendered with thoughtful attention to the play of light and shadow, resulting in a representation that feels both personal and expressive. The use of blues and purples, juxtaposed with warmer flesh tones, conveys a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, as well as the psychological complexity of the artist. The gaze of the subject is directed off-canvas, suggesting a moment of contemplation, and inviting viewers to ponder the thoughts and emotions of Cézanne at the time of this work’s creation.
