Paul Cézanne
Montagne Sainte-Victoire1890 - 1895On Display | ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY
The mountain of Sainte-Victoire, a distinctive landmark near Aix-en-Provence, was one of Cézanne's favourite subjects. He never tired of exploring its structure and changing appearance. This picture was painted in the early 1890s from a position to the south-west of Aix overlooking the valley of the River Arc. Its unfinished state provides some insight into Cézanne's working method and his 'constructive' brushwork. Foreground foliage, undulating fields, the distant mountain and sky have emerged gradually from a harmonious patchwork of colours applied across the canvas.
- Accession no. NG 2236
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 55.00 x 65.40 cm (framed: 86.40 x 77.50 x 10.20 cm)
- Credit Presented by Sir Alexander Maitland in memory of his wife Rosalind 1960
Paul Cézanne (French, 1839 - 1906)
Cézanne's revolutionary achievements in painting were only recognised publicly towards the end of his life. They were later acknowledged for their profound influence on modern artists of the twentieth century. Cézanne abandoned his law studies to devote himself to painting. He arrived in Paris in 1861 from Aix-en-Provence. He met Pissarro, who encouraged his talent, and persuaded him to turn from dark, dramatic themes to a more direct response to nature. Cézanne exhibited first, alongside the Impressionists, while seeking a greater sense of permanence and structure in his own work. His perseverance and dedication contributed to his eventual success.