Artwork

Geraniums

Geraniums, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1889
Geraniums, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1889

Geraniums is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

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About this work

Overview

Geraniums is a watercolor drawing executed over graphite on laid paper by Paul Cezanne in 1889, characterized by its spontaneous and sketch-like quality.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a simple, everyday subject: a group of geraniums in pots, focusing on the varied green hues of the leaves and the natural, unposed arrangement of the stems and branches against a neutral beige background.

Technique & Style

Cezanne employed loose, expressive brushstrokes and a limited color palette, emphasizing the play of light on the leaves. The visible graphite underdrawing and the overall immediacy suggest a rapidly executed piece.

Context

Geraniums reflects Cezanne's association with Impressionist principles, though its emphasis on structure and form also anticipates his influence on the development of early 20th-century avant-garde movements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1889, the piece's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed here, but it is attributed to Cezanne's late 19th-century output.

The Geranium in My Window
The Geranium in My Window, Louise M. Dunn

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Cézanne

Artist

Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne ( say-ZAN, UK also siz-AN, US also say-ZAHN; French: ; Occitan: Pau Cesana; 19 January 1839 – 22 October 1906) was a French Post-Impressionist painter whose work introduced new modes of representation,…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Geraniums?

Geraniums was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1889.

Where can I see Geraniums?

Geraniums is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Geraniums?

Geraniums is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Geraniums?

Museum-quality prints of Geraniums are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.