Seated Peasant

"Seated Peasant" is a painting by French artist Paul Cézanne, created between approximately 1892 and 1896. The work depicts a solitary figure of a peasant seated against a neutral background, showcasing Cézanne's interest in the human form and rural life. This painting reflects Cézanne's characteristic brushwork and use of color, emphasizing the solidity and volume of the figure. The identity of the model is unknown, and the painting is often interpreted as a representation of the working class in late 19th-century France. "Seated Peasant" is part of Cézanne's broader exploration of the relationship between figure and landscape, as well as his innovative approach to composition. The painting is housed in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

"Seated Peasant" by Paul Cézanne, created circa 1892–96, depicts a solitary figure seated against a muted background. The composition features a peasant dressed in simple clothing, characterized by a blue shirt and a brown vest, with a straw hat resting on his head. Cézanne employs a palette of earthy tones, including browns, greens, and ochres, which contribute to the work's overall sense of solidity and weight. The brushwork is distinct, with visible strokes that create texture and depth, particularly in the depiction of the figure's face and hands. The background is rendered in a more abstract manner, allowing the peasant to emerge as the focal point of the painting. The use of geometric forms is evident in the structure of the figure, reflecting Cézanne's interest in simplifying natural forms into basic shapes. The overall composition conveys a sense of quiet dignity and introspection, characteristic of Cézanne's later works.