Artwork

Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus)"

Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus)", by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1884
Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus)", by Paul Cezanne, graphite, 1884

Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus)" is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Paul Cézanne produced a graphite drawing on wove paper in 1884, titled Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus).

About this work

Overview

Paul Cézanne produced a graphite drawing on wove paper in 1884, titled Study of "The Roman Orator (Germanicus)." The work functions as a preparatory study, likely intended to explore composition and figure for a larger painting of the same subject. Its modest size and monochrome medium reflect Cézanne's investigative approach to line and form.

Technique & Style

The study reveals his interest in structural underpinnings of the figure, a concern that would inform his later, more color-driven works.

Executed in graphite, the drawing demonstrates Cézanne's careful handling of line to model volume and gesture. The use of wove paper provides a smooth surface that captures fine tonal variations, allowing the artist to render subtle shading without the texture of rougher supports. The study reveals his interest in structural underpinnings of the figure, a concern that would inform his later, more color-driven works.

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.