The artwork titled “Sorrow” is a product of the artist Paul Cézanne’s creativity, dated 1867. This oil on canvas depicts a theme that could be associated with romanticism, offering a portrait as its genre. Currently, the piece resides in the Musée d’Orsay, situated in Paris, France.
The painting showcases a figure draped in blue, with a posture indicative of despair. The subject’s face is mostly obscured by their bent arm, while their body language and positioning on what appears to be a bed convey a deep sense of dejection or grief. The painting utilizes a dark color palette, with contrasts provided by the lighter tones of the figure’s white garment and bed linens. Despite the initial classification as part of the Romantic movement, which is characterized by an emphasis on emotion and individualism, it is important to note that Paul Cézanne is more commonly associated with Post-Impressionism and his style varies from traditional Romantic artwork. The brushwork in the artwork is expressive and somewhat loose, which adds to the emotional intensity of the scene. The background contains gloomy, almost indistinct formations, further enhancing the sense of solitude and sorrow within the painting.