Artwork

Self-Portrait [recto]

Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1898
Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1898

Self-Portrait [recto] 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

Self-Portrait [recto] is a drawing by Paul Cézanne, created in 1898 using graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a bald man with a short beard and mustache, his head tilted slightly. The subject is likely the artist himself, captured in a candid moment.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed chiaroscuro, using contrasting light and dark to convey depth, particularly around the eyes and jaw. The graphite strokes are loose and uneven, contributing to a sense of spontaneity.

Context

The warm, light brown tone of the paper provides a subtle backdrop for the graphite drawing, influencing the overall mood of the portrait.

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.