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Artwork

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses"

Paul Cézanne , 1884

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses", by Paul Cézanne, ink, 1884
Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses", by Paul Cézanne, ink, 1884

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses" is an ink 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, lower left in graphite: XXVI; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 49

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a study of the allegorical figure representing France, based on a character from Peter Paul Rubens' work 'The Exchange of the Two Princesses'. Created in 1884, it is executed in graphite, pen, and brown ink on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an allegorical personification of France, adapted from Rubens' composition. The dynamic pose and expressive gestures convey a sense of energy and movement, characteristic of allegorical figures in art.

Technique & Style

The drawing features flowing lines, cross-hatching to achieve texture and depth, and expressive penwork, showcasing the artist's technical skill and attention to detail in capturing the figure's vitality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1884, this study is attributed to Paul Cezanne, though the original context of its creation (e.g., purpose, commission) is not specified in available information.

Context

This work reflects Cezanne's engagement with European artistic heritage, specifically Baroque allegory, as exemplified by Rubens. It demonstrates how 19th-century artists interacted with and reinterpreted earlier masterworks.

Legacy

As a study, its primary legacy lies in illustrating Cezanne's artistic process and his response to Rubens' allegorical figures, rather than as a standalone iconic work in his oeuvre.

Study of the Allegorical Figure of Health in Rubens' "The Birth of Louis XIII"
Study of the Allegorical Figure of Health in Rubens' "The Birth of Louis XIII", 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 France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses" was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1884.

Where can I see Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses"?

Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses" is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses"?

Museum-quality prints of Study of the Allegorical Figure France in Rubens' "The Exchange of the Two Princesses" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.