Who painted Madame Cezanne?

Madame Cezanne was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1898.

Where can I see Madame Cezanne?

Madame Cezanne is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madame Cezanne?

Madame Cezanne is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Madame Cezanne

Paul Cezanne , 1898

Madame Cezanne is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Madame Cezanne is a graphite drawing on wove paper executed by Paul Cézanne in 1898. The work measures only a few inches and occupies a modest corner of the sheet, presenting a brief, informal study rather than a finished composition.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a seated woman turned in profile, her posture relaxed and the figure rendered with a sense of immediacy. The lack of facial detail and the loose handling of the form suggest the drawing was intended as a quick observation of gesture rather than a portrait with narrative intent.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed rapid, sketchy graphite strokes that verge on scribbles, emphasizing overall shape and movement over precise delineation. The lightness of the paper and the minimal tonal variation create a fleeting impression, reflecting the artist’s interest in capturing the essential geometry of the figure through spontaneous line work.

History & Provenance

Created toward the end of the 19th century, the drawing belongs to a period when Cézanne frequently produced informal studies to inform larger oil compositions. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio inventory, later entering a private collection before being acquired by the museum that now displays it.