Who painted Study of Trees (Sous Bois)?

Study of Trees (Sous Bois) was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1888.

Where can I see Study of Trees (Sous Bois)?

Study of Trees (Sous Bois) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Study of Trees (Sous Bois)?

Study of Trees (Sous Bois) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Study of Trees (Sous Bois)?

Museum-quality prints of Study of Trees (Sous Bois) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of Trees (Sous Bois)

Paul Cezanne , 1888

Study of Trees (Sous Bois) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Paul Cézanne’s watercolor titled *Study of Trees (Sous Bois)* presents a quiet woodland scene. Tall, slender trunks rise against a muted backdrop, while low vegetation occupies the foreground. The palette moves through earthy browns, muted greens and subtle blues, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites the viewer into the forest’s interior.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of stillness within a forest, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow on bark and foliage. By focusing on the structural forms of the trees rather than narrative detail, Cézanne explores the underlying geometry of nature, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s inherent order.

Technique & Style

Executed on Montgolfier paper with a watermark, the work combines watercolor washes with pencil accents. Loose, expressive strokes convey the texture of bark and leaves, while the layered washes produce depth as distant trees merge into atmospheric haze. The handling reflects Cézanne’s late‑period interest in simplifying forms through color modulation.

History & Provenance

The study is dated to the late 1890s, with the Venturi catalogue assigning it to 1895–1900, though earlier scholarship suggested a broader 1890–1900 range. It entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection and has been shown internationally, including at London’s O’Hana Gallery in 1962 and the Royal Academy of Arts in the 2023–24 exhibition.

Context

Created during Cézanne’s mature phase, the piece aligns with his investigations into the structural basis of landscape painting, a concern that would influence early 20th‑century modernists. While rooted in Impressionist observation, the work anticipates a more analytical approach to form and color that characterizes post‑Impressionist developments.