Artwork

Cushion of an Armchair

Cushion of an Armchair, by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1888
Cushion of an Armchair, by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1888

Cushion of an Armchair is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cushion of an Armchair is a drawing by Paul Cézanne, executed in 1888 in graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a simple armchair cushion, capturing its basic form through loose, expressive lines that vary in intensity, suggesting a study of light and shadow.

Technique & Style

Cézanne's sketch is characterized by rough, rapid pencil strokes, prioritizing the overall shape over precise detail, and showcasing his interest in the play of light on the subject.

Context

This work reflects the artist's focus on everyday objects, a trait shared with the Realist movement, which emphasized the depiction of mundane subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Cezanne

Artist

Paul Cezanne

Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.