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Paris, Quai de Jussieu (the wine hall)
- Original dimensions
- 92 x 73 cm
- Museum
- Portland Art Museum
- Year
- 1872
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Cézanne captures the dynamic essence of the wine hall, a lively place in Paris where wine merchants and customers mingle under a bright sky. The vibrant colors and geometric shapes convey the intense activity that can be felt in this iconic space. The painting offers a unique vision of Parisian life while reflecting the artist's inner universe, oscillating between living reality and personal perception.
Historical context
Created in 1872, this painting is emblematic of 19th century Paris, a period marked by artistic effervescence and the emergence of impressionism . Cézanne, master of modernity, transports us to a place steeped in history, where light and life intertwine to create a vibrant composition. Currently exhibited at the Portland Art Museum, this canvas measures 92 x 73 cm, a size that allows for total immersion in the scene.
Place in the artist's career
This canvas is part of a pivotal period in Cézanne's career, where he refines his pictorial language, far from academic conventions. The work marks a step before his bolder creations in the following decades. Meanwhile, canvases such as "The Bathers" and "Mont Sainte-Victoire" testify to the evolution of his technique, from landscapes immersed in ethereal hues to architectural representations full of vibrant energy.
Anecdote
“Nature is a masterpiece in itself, and I am just a humble painter trying to capture its essence.” This quote, inspired by Cézanne's thought, evokes a spring morning when, strolling along the quays, he was struck by the simple yet radiant beauty of the wine hall. The vibrant atmosphere, the scent of fresh fruits, and the gentle clinking of glasses led him to immortalize this moment in his painting .