Who painted Pelicans?

Pelicans was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1878.

Where can I see Pelicans?

Pelicans is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Pelicans?

Pelicans is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Pelicans

Paul Cezanne , 1878

Pelicans is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1878, this graphite drawing on wove paper presents a brief study of two pelicans. Rendered with swift, confident strokes, the composition captures the birds in a moment of motion, their bodies contorted and wings outstretched. The work exemplifies an early stage in the artist’s development, emphasizing gesture over detail.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on the dynamic posture of the pelicans, suggesting a fleeting observation of wildlife. By limiting the depiction to essential lines, the artist conveys the vitality of the birds without narrative embellishment, inviting viewers to consider the immediacy of natural movement rather than a symbolic interpretation.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the piece exploits the medium’s capacity for bold, expressive lines. The choice of wove paper provides a slightly textured surface that interacts with the graphite, enhancing the sense of spontaneity. The sketch’s unfinished quality reflects an emphasis on capturing gesture, a characteristic approach in the artist’s formative period.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the late 1870s, a time when the artist was exploring plein‑air observation and developing a personal visual language. It remains a modest example of his early output, documented in the artist’s catalogue raisonné and held in a private collection, with limited exhibition history.