Artwork

The Promenade

The Promenade, by Paul Cezanne, oil, 1871
The Promenade, by Paul Cezanne, oil, 1871

The Promenade is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art.

About this work

Overview

The Promenade is an oil painting created by Paul Cézanne in 1871. It is part of the National Museum of Western Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts two women on a dirt path in a lush outdoor setting. The woman on the left examines an orange object, while the other holds a blue parasol. The scene is rendered in muted colors, with the women's attire and surroundings creating a serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality in the scene. The painting's palette is dominated by shades of green, brown, and gray, reflecting a shift towards structured compositions and geometric simplification, characteristic of Cézanne's evolving style.

Context

The Promenade was painted during the Post-Impressionist period, a time when Cézanne was moving away from the fleeting effects of Impressionism. This work is part of a body of paintings that showcased his innovations, which later influenced avant-garde movements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Cezanne

Artist

Paul Cezanne

Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.