“The Bay of L’Estaque from the East” is an oil on canvas landscape painted by Paul Cezanne, circa 1882. This artwork, emblematic of the Post-Impressionism movement, is currently housed at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, USA.
The artwork depicts a serene coastal scene, likely observed from an elevated vantage point looking down upon the bay. The composition is divided somewhat asymmetrically, with a large expanse of water on the left, creating a tranquil backdrop for the cluster of buildings nestled amidst the dense greenery on the right. The palette consists of muted, earthen tones, with subtle shifts in color to denote shadow and light. Cezanne’s brushwork is visible, with decisive, thick strokes that capture the essence of the landscape rather than its precise details, a hallmark of Post-Impressionist style. The sky is rendered in light colors, suggesting a bright but overcast day, which contrasts with the darker tones used for the foliage and the architectural elements. Overall, the painting exudes a sense of calm and is reflective of Cezanne’s interest in exploring the underlying structures within nature through color and form.
