What movement is Two Studies for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd"?

Two Studies for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd" is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Two Studies for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd"

Two Studies for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd" 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.

About this work

Overview

Paul Cézanne’s 1884 graphite drawing, titled Two Studies for “The Judgement of Paris” or “The Amorous Shepherd,” consists of two intertwined figures rendered on wove paper. Executed in a single medium, the work functions as a preparatory sketch for a larger composition that would explore a narrative drawn from classical mythology.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a seated female figure and a leaning male figure whose bodies are entwined in a dynamic, almost chaotic arrangement. The ambiguous pose suggests an intimate encounter, aligning with the mythic themes of either the judgment of Paris, where beauty and desire intersect, or a pastoral love scene, hence the dual title.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed rapid, swirling graphite strokes that convey movement and emotional tension with minimal detail. The lines appear spontaneous, bordering on scribal, and the paper’s yellowed tone adds a sense of unfinished immediacy, emphasizing the artist’s focus on gesture over precise form.

History & Provenance

Created in 1884, the sketch was part of Cézanne’s extensive preparatory work for mythological subjects. While the drawing remained in his personal studio collection, it later entered public holdings, where it serves as evidence of his methodical approach to translating brief studies into fully realized paintings.