Artwork

The Artist's Son

The Artist's Son, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1887
The Artist's Son, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1887

The Artist's Son is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, lower right in graphite: XVIII; by later hand, upper right in graphite: 35

About this work

Overview

The Artist's Son is a graphite drawing on wove paper created by Paul Cézanne around 1887.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a boy seated on the ground, leaning back with one arm extended and legs bent, his head tilted to the side. The subject is likely Cézanne's son, captured in a moment of repose.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, rapid lines, the sketch conveys a sense of spontaneity. The drawing appears unfinished, with minimal shading and no background, suggesting a study or preparatory work rather than a fully realized piece.

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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Artist's Son?

The Artist's Son was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1887.

Where can I see The Artist's Son?

The Artist's Son is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Artist's Son?

The Artist's Son is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Artist's Son?

Museum-quality prints of The Artist's Son are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.