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Carnival Scene

Carnival Scene

Paul Cezanne

1886

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

About this work

This sketch shows a messy, swirling group of people in a dark, crowded space. The lines are loose and wobbly, like quick scribbles. Light areas pop out against the gray background—faces, arms, and clothing blend together in a tangle. The artist used soft pencil strokes to suggest movement, almost like the figures are dancing or pushing forward. It feels alive but not finished, as if caught mid-thought. Next, look up Impressionism to see how this sketch fits into that movement.

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Studies Including a Straw Hat

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Study for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd"

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Two Studies for "The Judgement of Paris" or "The Amorous Shepherd"

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