Artwork
Self-Portrait [recto]
![Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1898](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-cezanne--self-portrait-recto--800f9cf98766d770-w1024.webp)
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.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.



















![Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Cezanne](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-cezanne--self-portrait-recto--d76a05e14030ebd2-w320.webp)