Rocks at Fontainebleau

Paul Cézanne

Created:
Movement:
1899
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Geological abstraction, Earthy palette
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Dimensions:
28 7/8 x 36 3/8 in. (73.3 x 92.4 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Rocks at Fontainebleau" is a painting by French artist Paul Cézanne, created in the early 1890s. The work depicts a rugged landscape featuring large boulders and trees, characteristic of the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris. Cézanne was known for his innovative approach to form and color, which is evident in this piece through the use of bold brushstrokes and a distinctive palette. The painting reflects Cézanne's interest in the interplay of light and shadow, as well as his desire to capture the essence of nature. It is part of a series of works that Cézanne produced during his time in Fontainebleau, where he sought to explore the relationship between natural forms and their representation. The exact date of completion is not definitively known, but it is generally placed within the 1890s. "Rocks at Fontainebleau" is held in a private collection and has been exhibited in various institutions, contributing to the understanding of Cézanne's evolving style and his impact on modern art.

Description of the work:

"Rocks at Fontainebleau" by Paul Cézanne, created in the 1890s, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a rugged landscape characterized by large, imposing rock formations. The composition is dominated by the interplay of light and shadow, which accentuates the texture of the rocks and the surrounding foliage. Cézanne employs a palette of earthy tones, including greens, browns, and grays, to convey the natural environment. The brushwork is distinctively loose and expressive, with visible strokes that contribute to the overall dynamism of the scene. The arrangement of forms reflects Cézanne's interest in structural composition, as the rocks are rendered with a sense of solidity and permanence. The background features a soft, atmospheric quality, contrasting with the more defined foreground elements. The painting exemplifies Cézanne's innovative approach to landscape, merging observation with a unique interpretation of form and color.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Rocks at Fontainebleau