Antoine Dominique Sauveur Aubert (born 1817), the Artist’s Uncle (1866)

We invite you to explore Paul Cézanne’s compelling portrait, "Antoine Dominique Sauveur Aubert (born 1817), the Artist’s Uncle," painted in 1866. This painting stands out as a striking example of Cézanne's early exploration into the depths of character through portraiture. The subject, Sauveur Aubert, who was Cézanne’s maternal uncle, is depicted with a dignified robustness, reflecting his professional life as a successful bailiff and the artist’s personal connection to him.In this portrait, Aubert is portrayed wearing a white robe, its texture vividly rendered to enhance the tactile feel of the fabric. Perhaps one of the most striking features is the traditional skullcap, resting on his head, which suggests a touch of personal style or cultural heritage. His expression is serious and contemplative, capturing a man of importance and introspection. The robust strokes and the use of a subdued color palette center the focus on the imposing figure of Aubert, illustrating Cézanne's developing mastery over form and his deviation from the conventional norms of portraiture.This work not only invites viewers to glance into the private world of Cézanne's family but also showcases the painter’s early departure from realism towards the abstraction that he would further develop in his later works.