Artwork
Portrait of Mme. Cézanne
Portrait of Mme. Cézanne is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection. Portrait of Mme.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Mme. Cézanne is an 1892 oil painting by Paul Cézanne, depicting his wife Marie-Hortense Fiquet in a seated pose. The work exemplifies Cézanne's transitional style between Impressionism and early Cubism, characterized by structured compositions and a focus on form.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Marie-Hortense Fiquet, is portrayed in a straightforward, unromanticized manner, prioritizing likeness over idealization. Her direct gaze and the overall composition convey a sense of quiet, introspective calm.
Technique & Style
Cézanne employed geometric simplification and emphasized solidity in the portrait. Visible brushstrokes and a muted, dark background with a contrasting white collar detail the subject. The facial rendering avoids embellishment, focusing on capturing the sitter's essence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1892, the painting is now part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.
Context
As a Post-Impressionist work, it reflects Cézanne's pivotal role in bridging Impressionist practices with the formal innovations of early Cubism, influencing the development of modern art.
Legacy
Through its understated yet profound portrayal, Portrait of Mme. Cézanne contributes to the broader legacy of Cézanne's portraits, known for their innovative approach to capturing the human form in a non-idealized, geometrically simplified manner.
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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.
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Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair
Madame Cézanne (Hortense Fiquet, 1850–1922) in the Conservatory
Woman in Front of a Still Life by Cezanne
Portrait of Marie Lemasson
The Artist's Sister, Anna Giersing, Wearing a Red Shawl
Madame Cézanne in a Yellow Chair