The artwork titled “The Wine Market at Jussieu” is an oil on canvas piece created by artist Paul Cézanne in 1872. This composition falls under the Impressionism movement within the cityscape genre. The painting measures 73 by 92 centimeters and is currently housed at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon, United States.
In the artwork, one observes a bustling urban scene depicted with the characteristic loose brushwork and attention to light variations that are emblematic of the Impressionist style. The painting captures a lively outdoor market scene full of movement and commerce. In the foreground, a series of rounded shapes suggest barrels lined up and perhaps ready for transport or sale, emphasizing the market’s theme – the wine trade, in particular. Beyond the barrels, there’s a sense of depth as the viewer’s eye is led down a curving road or path, flanked by leafy trees that are rendered with quick, emphatic strokes demonstrating the vitality of outdoor light and air.
The colors utilized are somewhat muted, leaning towards earthy tones, which could indicate the artist’s focus on the realistic portrayal of the ambient light and atmospheric conditions rather than the vibrant hues that some Impressionists favored. The skyline in the distance features silhouettes of buildings and industrial structures contributing to the impression of an active cityscape. The overall effect of the composition is one that places the viewer amidst the energy and rhythms of city life during this period.
