Cézanne, Paul: Still Life galleria
Paul Cézanne, one of the creators of modern art, was called the ``solidifier of Impressionism''. And indeed he does not draw his picture before painting it: instead, he creates space and depth of perspective by means of planes of color, which are freely associated and at the same time contrasted and compared. The facets which are thus produced create not just one but many perspectives, and in this way volume comes once again to dominate the composition, no longer a product of the line but rather of the color itself. His still-lifes, in their simplicity and delicate tonal harmony, are a typical work and thus ideal for an understanding of Cézanne's art.
Most of his pictures are still lifes. These were done in the studio, with simple props; a cloth, some apples, a vase or bowl and, later in his career, plaster sculptures. Cézanne's still lifes are both traditional and modern. The fruits and objects are readily identifiable, but they have no aroma, no sensual or tactile appeal and no other function other than as passive decorative objects coexisting in the same flat space. They bear no relation to the colorful vegetables of Provence -- gorgeous red tomatoes, purple aubergines, and bright green courgettes. In his pursuit of the essence of art, Cézanne had to suppress earthly delights.
Apples, Peaches, Pears, and Grapes
c. 1879-80 (120 Kb); Oil on canvas, 38.5 x 46.5 cm (15 1/8 x 18 1/4 in);
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg;
No. 3KP 1580. Formerly collection Bernhard Koehler, Berlin
Still Life with Commode
1883-87 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73.3 x 92.2 cm (28 7/8 x 36 3/8");
Bayerische Staatsgemaldesammlungen, Munich; Venturi no. 496
Still Life with Plate of Cherries
1885-87 (160 Kb); Oil on canvas, 58.1 x 68.9 cm (22 /78 x 27");
Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Venturi no. 498
Still Life with Apples
c. 1890 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 35.2 x 46.2 cm (13 3/4 x 18 1/8 in);
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
No. ZKP 558. Formerly collection Otto Krebs, Holzdorf
Still Life with Basket of Apples
Still Life with Peppermint Bottle
Still Life with Water Jug
c. 1892-3 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 53 x 71.1 cm;
Tate Gallery, London
Compotier, Pitcher, and Fruit (Nature morte)
1892-94 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 72.5 x 91.8 cm (28 3/4 x 36 1/4 in);
The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania
Still Life With a Basket (Kitchen Table)
c. 1890-95; Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Le vase paillé
c. 1895 (170 Kb); Ginger Jar and Fruit;
Oil on canvas, 73 x 60 cm (28 3/4 x 23 5/8 in);
The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania
Table, Napkin, and Fruit (Un coin de table)
1895-1900 (150 Kb);
Oil on canvas, 47 x 56 cm (18 1/4 x 22 in);
The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania
Still Life with Onions and Bottle
Still Life with Apples
1895-98 (130 Kb); Oil on canvas; 68.8 x 92.7 cm (27 x 36 1/2);
The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Venturi 736
Still Life with Skull (Nature morte au crane)
1895-1900 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 54.3 x 65 cm (21 3/8 x 25 5/8 in);
The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania
Pyramid of Skulls
c. 1901 (130 Kb); Oil on canvas, 37 x 45.5 cm (14 5/8 x 17 7/8");
Private collection; Venturi no. 753
Chrysanthemums (Vase fleuri)
1896-98 (Rewald); c.1900 (160 Kb);
Oil on canvas, 70 x 57.8 cm (27 1/2 x 22 3/4 in);
The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania
Nature morte avec rideau et pichet fleuri
Still Life with Watermelon and Pomegranates
Still Life: Apples, Bottle and Chairback
Nature morte au vase pique-fleurs