Paul Cezanne’s Bibémus Quarry painting, also known as Bibemus: Le Rocher Rouge, was created around 1898. This artwork features rock formations with only hinted-at solidity and a thrusting energy that creates strikingly vivid and geometric patterns. Cezanne was fascinated by the rugged architectural forms of the mountains in Provence, France and painted this scene from many different angles.
The painting’s thematic approach influenced Georges Braque’s Houses at L’Estaque (1908), which portrayed the same style with improved refinement. It is no wonder why Bibémus Quarry continues to inspire artists worldwide. Its simplified shapes and almost complete loss of the third dimension are masterfully done depicting a sense of grandeur through its solid color use.
Bibemus: The Red Rock is relatively small but leaves a lasting impression on viewers due to its unique approach toward portraying rock formations’ raw energy without overcomplicating them. This masterpiece makes up part of the Cone Collection owned by Dr. Claribel Cone and Miss Etta Cone of Baltimore, Maryland.
