Artwork

Waking Up [verso]

Waking Up [verso], by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1880
Waking Up [verso], by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1880

Waking Up [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, upper left in graphite: 42X

About this work

Overview

Waking Up [verso] is a drawing by Paul Cézanne, created around 1880 using watercolor and graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman and child in a quiet, intimate scene. The woman lies half-asleep with the child beside her, accompanied by a vase of flowers and a bowl on her lap, evoking a sense of stillness and domesticity.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed watercolor and graphite to achieve a loose, spontaneous effect. Soft, blurred colors and rapid brushstrokes characterize the work, leaving some forms undefined and suggesting a swift, observational approach.

Two Graces
Two Graces, Edvard Munch

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Waking Up [verso]?

Waking Up [verso] was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1880.

Where can I see Waking Up [verso]?

Waking Up [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Waking Up [verso]?

Waking Up [verso] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Waking Up [verso]?

Museum-quality prints of Waking Up [verso] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.