Created:
Movement:
1886
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Cubist precursor, Provençal landscape
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Dimensions:
31 1/2 x 25 1/4 in. (80 x 64.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Gardanne" is a landscape painting by the French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, created between 1885 and 1886. The work depicts the view of the town of Gardanne, located near Aix-en-Provence, France, which was a significant area for Cézanne's artistic development. The painting is characterized by its distinctive brushwork and use of color, reflecting Cézanne's exploration of form and perspective. It is part of a series of works that illustrate his interest in the relationship between nature and structure. The composition features a combination of natural elements, including hills and trees, with the town in the background. "Gardanne" is notable for its innovative approach to landscape painting, moving away from traditional representation towards a more abstract interpretation. The painting is currently housed in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exact circumstances of its creation and the specific influences on Cézanne during this period remain largely unknown.

Description of the work:

"Gardanne" by Paul Cézanne, created between 1885 and 1886, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a landscape characterized by a rural setting in the region of Gardanne, France. The composition features a series of rolling hills and a prominent foreground, where trees and vegetation are rendered with a distinctive brushstroke that emphasizes texture and form. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones, including greens, browns, and ochres, which evoke the natural environment. Cézanne's use of geometric shapes is evident in the depiction of the landscape, as he simplifies forms into blocks of color that suggest depth and volume. The sky occupies the upper portion of the canvas, painted in soft blues and whites, which contrasts with the more saturated colors of the land. The overall effect is one of harmony and balance, reflecting Cézanne's interest in the relationship between nature and perception. The painting exemplifies his innovative approach to landscape painting, moving away from traditional representation towards a more abstract interpretation of the natural world.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Gardanne