1880
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Study of a Decorative Ornament is a 1880 graphite by Paul Cezanne, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a single decorative shape—like a leaf or a stylized branch—drawn in loose, wavy lines. The graphite strokes are light but confident, with some areas darker where the pencil pressed harder. The paper has a slight yellow tint, and the edges of the page are frayed, like it’s torn from a notebook. The drawing looks like a quick study, not a finished work. Artists often used these sketches to practice shapes before painting bigger pictures. If you like this loose, sketchy style, look up Impressionism.
Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.
See the richer artist page
