Artwork

Woman Leaning Forward

Woman Leaning Forward, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1892
Woman Leaning Forward, by Paul Cézanne, graphite, 1892

Woman Leaning Forward is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, lower right in graphite: XV; by later hand, upper right in graphite: 29

About this work

Overview

Woman Leaning Forward is a graphite drawing on wove paper created by Paul Cézanne in 1892.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman's face in a three-quarter view, with her hair pulled back, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed loose, rapid graphite strokes to convey the subject's form, emphasizing suggestion over precise detail, a characteristic approach in his studies.

Context

The use of chiaroscuro, where light and shadow define the subject's features, is evident in the shading under the chin and around the eyes, adding depth to the drawing.

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 Woman Leaning Forward?

Woman Leaning Forward was painted by Paul Cézanne in 1892.

Where can I see Woman Leaning Forward?

Woman Leaning Forward is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Woman Leaning Forward?

Woman Leaning Forward is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Woman Leaning Forward?

Museum-quality prints of Woman Leaning Forward are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.