
Cézanne with a bowler hat, sketch
- Original dimensions
- 36 x 44 cm
- Museum
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
- Year
- 1885
Scene depicted
The canvas “Cézanne in a Bowler Hat, Sketch” features a man delicately adorned with a bowler hat, symbolizing the bourgeois Parisian life of the late 19th century. This striking portrait blends both the distinction of its subject with a touching simplicity, reflecting the aesthetic and sociological concerns of the time. His relaxed posture and dreamy gaze invite contemplation, as if we are transported into the intimate world of the artist.
Historical context
Created in 1885, in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the painting “Cézanne in a Bowler Hat, Sketch” is set in the vibrant context of post-impressionism . This canvas , a central piece in the artistic evolution of the 19th century, perfectly illustrates the subtleties of this revolutionary movement. Currently exhibited at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek , this masterpiece invites you to discover the richness of color and light, capturing the very essence of its time.
Place in the artist's career
This painting marks a key milestone in Cézanne's career, an evolution towards thoughtful abstraction. Echoing pieces such as “The Large Bathers” and “Mont Sainte-Victoire,” this canvas demonstrates a growing mastery of light and form, establishing a bridge to the cubism that would follow.
Anecdote
“Every stroke of paint must be a reflection of my soul.” These inspired words from Paul Cézanne resonate like a melody with each brushstroke. Imagine him, alone in his studio, one morning intoxicated by the scent of spring flowers, seeking to capture a fleeting moment on canvas. This moment, imbued with light and serene beauty, is at the source of his canvas , filled with emotions.