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Artwork

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"

Paul Cézanne , 1884

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV", by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1884
Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV", by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1884

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV" is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, upper right verso in graphite: L; by later hand, upper left verso in graphite: 99

About this work

Overview

This graphite drawing on wove paper, created in 1884, is a study by Paul Cezanne of the allegorical figure Bellona, originally depicted in Rubens' 'The Apotheosis of Henri IV'. The work presents a reclining female figure in a contorted pose, conveying relaxation and vulnerability.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, here rendered in a serene and vulnerable state rather than her traditional fierce demeanor. This interpretation may reflect Cezanne's personal take on the mythological figure.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the drawing showcases Cezanne's use of line and shading to capture the figure's form. The contorted pose and emphasis on volumetric form hint at Cezanne's early explorations of post-Impressionist techniques.

History & Provenance

Created in 1884, this drawing is part of Cezanne's studies of classical and Renaissance art, specifically engaging with Rubens' baroque composition 'The Apotheosis of Henri IV'.

Context

This work situates itself within Cezanne's broader practice of studying masterpieces to inform his own innovative approach to figure representation and spatial composition.

Legacy

As one of Cezanne's lesser-known studies, it provides insight into his creative process and his dialogue with the artistic past, influencing subsequent modernist engagements with classical themes.

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"
Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV", Paul Cézanne

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,…

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV" was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1884.

Where can I see Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV" is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV"?

Museum-quality prints of Study of the Allegorical Figure Bellona in Rubens' "The Apotheosis of Henri IV" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.