Who painted Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair?

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1889.

Where can I see Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair?

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair?

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair?

Museum-quality prints of Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair

Paul Cezanne , 1889

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair is an oil-on-canvas portrait by Paul Cezanne, depicting his wife, Emélie-Hortense Fiquet, seated in a yellow chair, wearing a red dress.

Subject & Meaning

The painting is one of four portraits Cezanne made of his wife, whom he met when she was an artist's model. Their relationship was complex, and the portrait captures a moment of tension, reflected in Hortense's serious expression and agitated hands.

Technique & Style

Cezanne employed a range of techniques, including impasto and visible underdrawing, to convey the subject's emotional state. The dark-blue outlines and crisscrossing brushstrokes around Hortense's hands create a sense of agitation, contrasting with her masklike face.

History & Provenance

The portrait was likely traced from a earlier, life-study portrait, as suggested by technical examination. Cezanne and Hortense had a son together in 1872 and married in 1886, the year after which this portrait is believed to have been made.