The House with the Cracked Walls

Paul Cézanne

Created:
Movement:
1894
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Architectural decay, Post-Impressionist landscape
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Dimensions:
31 1/2 x 25 1/4 in. (80 x 64.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

"The House with the Cracked Walls" is a painting by French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, created between 1892 and 1894. The work depicts a rural house characterized by its deteriorating walls, reflecting Cézanne's interest in the interplay between nature and architecture. It is part of a series of works that explore the landscape of Aix-en-Provence, where Cézanne spent much of his life. The painting is notable for its use of color and form, showcasing Cézanne's innovative approach to perspective and composition. The exact inspiration for the subject matter is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by the artist's surroundings. The painting is currently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Cézanne's work from this period is often seen as a precursor to modern art, emphasizing the importance of structure and the artist's subjective experience.

Description of the work:

"The House with the Cracked Walls" by Paul Cézanne, created between 1892 and 1894, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a rural structure characterized by its weathered and fragmented appearance. The composition features a house with prominent cracks in its walls, suggesting a sense of decay and impermanence. Cézanne employs a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones, including browns, greens, and grays, which enhances the somber mood of the scene. The brushwork is distinctively textured, with visible strokes that convey the artist's methodical approach to form and space. The surrounding landscape is rendered with a sense of depth, utilizing a combination of geometric shapes and organic forms. The overall arrangement reflects Cézanne's interest in the interplay between structure and nature, emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings. The painting exemplifies Cézanne's innovative approach to perspective, as he challenges traditional notions of depth and representation.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The House with the Cracked Walls