La Bastide La Durane in the Valcros Plain I
- Original dimensions
- 81.3 x 59 cm
- Museum
- National Museum
- Year
- 1885
Scene depicted
This painting illustrates a picturesque view of La Bastide, where the structure rises with dignity amidst the lush fields of the Valcros Plain. The earthy tones and vigorous brushstrokes capture the very essence of the region, expressing the enchanted meeting between man and nature.
Historical context
Created in 1885, this masterful canvas by Paul Cézanne immerses the viewer in the beautiful Provence, where nature and architecture intertwine delicately. As an emblematic work of post-impressionism , this painting resonates with the very essence of the earth, an ode to the artistic heritage of the region. Currently exhibited at the National Museum, this painting measures 81.3 x 59 cm, a true gateway to a vibrant and luminous world.
Place in the artist's career
La Bastide La Durane represents a pivotal moment in Cézanne's career, a step towards an artistic maturity also reflected in his works such as Mont Sainte-Victoire and Les Pommes. Here, the bold treatment of forms shows a technical evolution and a quest for depth that mark the artist's journey.
Anecdote
"Nature cannot be captured in a moment, it is a perpetual movement," said Cézanne. On a golden spring morning, the artist was inspired by the caressing lights that envelop La Bastide, revealing the brilliance of the painting . At the turn of an alley, the dancing shadows led him to immortalize this masterpiece, full of life and serenity.
Major exhibitions
The Dance of Life - The Collection from Antiquity to 1950