The artwork, “Trees by the Water,” is a creation of the distinguished artist Paul Cezanne, dating to the year 1900. This piece is realized through the medium of watercolor on paper and is categorized under the landscape genre. Even though Cezanne is often associated with the Post-Impressionist movement, he made significant contributions that led to the advent of Cubism. Currently, this painting resides within a private collection, not readily accessible to the public.
The artwork presents a serene and somewhat ethereal depiction of a natural scene. It is characterized by soft washes of color that blend into one another, creating a sense of both depth and translucence. One can identify the shapes of trees, their foliage rendered with a light touch that allows the whiteness of the paper to emanate through, contributing to an overall misty atmosphere. The watery element, suggested by horizontal strokes, offers a reflective surface that mirrors the muted tones of the surrounding landscape, and hints at a calm, perhaps early morning, scene. The play of light and shadow is subtle, relying on a palette of gentle greens, blues, and earthy undertones that suggest natural forms without delineating them precisely. The lack of defined outlines and the overlapping forms are indicative of Cezanne’s style, which plays with perspective and favors the use of form and color over detail, thereby setting the stage for future movements such as Cubism to explore these concepts more radically.
