Paul Cezanne was a painter who believed that painting should stay true to its material origins. Despite this, self-portraits were one area of study that he surprisingly neglected. However, the self-portrait genre posed no challenges for his working style. “Self-Portrait with Soft Hat” is one of the many self-portraits created by Cezanne.
This 100% hand-painted oil reproduction on canvas is held in the Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo. The painting shows Cezanne posed with a palette and a soft hat. His face is depicted using bold brushstrokes, while the rest of the painting has more muted colors and shapes that are representative of his typical style.
It’s interesting to note that despite being known for landscapes and still lifes, Cezanne painted many self-portraits during his career. This particular piece may seem simple at first glance but it showcases Cezanne’s unique artistic vision through color choices and brushstrokes. His representation of himself as an artist serves as a testament to his beliefs about painting and artistry as well as adds depth to his works beyond their aesthetic value alone.