“View of L’Estaque” is a notable artwork by Paul Cézanne, completed in 1883 as an oil on canvas. Exemplifying Post-Impressionism, it measures 60 by 73 centimeters and falls within the landscape genre. Currently, the artwork resides in a private collection.
The artwork showcases the tranquil scenery of L’Estaque, a small fishing village in the south of France which captivated Cézanne. The composition features rolling hills leading down to the sea, interspersed with the cubist shapes of houses that are rendered in earthy terracotta and golden hues, typical of Mediterranean architecture. Lush green trees, possibly olive or cypress, typical of the region, punctuate the foreground and middle ground, creating a rhythm of natural forms against the built environment. The sea is depicted with a range of blues, while the sky has a dynamic, almost swirling pattern, filled with light and movement, indicating the influence of Post-Impressionism’s interest in expressing the emotional power of color and brushstroke. The artwork evokes a sense of the idyllic and calm atmosphere of the coastal landscape that held a special place in Cézanne’s oeuvre.
