The Artist’s Father,Reading L’Événement (1866)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
This painting by Paul Cézanne, titled "The Artist’s Father, Reading 'L’Événement' (1866)," offers a poignant glimpse into the private world of the artist's family life. The subject, Louis-Auguste Cézanne, Paul’s father, is depicted absorbed in the act of reading a newspaper, L'Événement. The focused attention of Louis-Auguste is dramatically captured through the detailed rendering of his grips on the newspaper and his concentrated gaze.The setting is an ordinary room, where the elder Cézanne sits comfortably in a floral upholstered armchair, which contrasts sharply with his dark clothing and the muted tones of the room. This juxtaposition adds to the painting's depth, drawing our eyes directly towards the seated figure. The use of rich textures and the interplay of light and shadow are indicative of Cézanne's evolving style, which would later hallmark his contribution to post-Impressionism.A notable aspect of the composition is the realistic portrayal of the father, an aspect that speaks to the intimacy and personal connection between the artist and his subject. The painting not only portrays a man engrossed in reading but also subtly hints at the personal dynamics and respect Cézanne held for his father, a banker who supported his artistic pursuits.