Madame Cezanne

About this work

This portrait, rendered in graphite on wove paper, presents a woman's head and shoulders. Her dark hair is pulled back, and she wears a high-necked dress. The artist's use of bold lines and shading creates a sense of depth and dimensionality. The woman's expression is contemplative, her eyes cast downward. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, as if the subject is lost in thought. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow adds to the sense of realism. The National Gallery of Art, Washington, holds this work. For more on the artist's innovative techniques, explore the world of chiaroscuro.