Who painted Two Heads of Women?

Two Heads of Women was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1892.

Where can I see Two Heads of Women?

Two Heads of Women is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Heads of Women?

Two Heads of Women is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Two Heads of Women

Paul Cezanne , 1892

Two Heads of Women is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Heads of Women is a graphite drawing on wove paper by Paul Cezanne, dated to 1892. The work features two separate pencil sketches of women's heads on a single sheet, characteristic of the artist's sketchbook practice.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the drawing is the exploration of female facial forms through two contrasting profiles: one head tilted to the right, the other to the left. The emphasis lies in capturing the essence of their shapes and contours rather than achieving detailed realism.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple yet expressive manner, the drawings showcase loose, economical lines with minimal detail, reflecting Cezanne's focus on underlying structures over intricate rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, the drawing's provenance is not detailed here, though its date situates it within Cezanne's ongoing exploration of form and figure during this period.

Context

While not explicitly linked to chiaroscuro techniques in this work, Cezanne's broader oeuvre explores light and shadow, as seen in other pieces from his catalog.

Legacy

As part of Cezanne's extensive sketchbook output, Two Heads of Women contributes to the artist's influential legacy in modern art, particularly in his approach to simplification and emphasis on form.