Self-Portrait (1879-1882) by Paul Cezanne

Self-Portrait - Paul Cezanne - c.1880

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-Portrait
ArtistPaul Cezanne
Datec.1880
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions25 5/8 x 20 5/8"
Art MovementPost-Impressionism
Current LocationOskar Reinhart Foundation, Winterthur, Switzerland
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About Self-Portrait

One of the most significant artists in the history of modern art, Paul Cezanne, created over thirty self-portraits. While his artistic tendencies were classic, his self-portraits indicate a continued inclination towards self-concern that is both surprising and significant considering his standing as an artist. Unlike the idealized portraits of himself by some other artists of that time, Cezanne’s works were painted honestly and with perhaps a grimmer appearance than he really had.

In one of Cezanne’s most famous self-portraits from 1879-1882, he frames his head with diamond shapes in the wallpaper to create visual interest. This painting was also notable for being the first among many works by him to enter an American museum. Gradually integrated into the background over time through various paintings, including this one, was another striking aspect in Cezanne’s portrayals. He lost compactness as he integrated his head into such environments more properly.

As evidenced in different styles within each work and develop throughout his art career gradually, convex roundness transformed gradually into a flat area in Cezanne’s head appearance within self-portraits such as this particular piece. Finally yet importantly,, it should be noted that not only did these pieces contribute uniquely to art history during their set period but they even had immense influence on future art movements like Cubism and Fauvism due to their innovative approaches at time which were often ahead of their times.

Overall, it is evident that Paul Cezanne’s dynamic approach to portraiture featuring himself stands out for its honesty and unique style-focused innovation while ultimately significantly influencing generations of other influential modern artists after him across different art movements across periods with fresh perspectives for each artwork created at every stage bearing testament to this mindset based on examining a specific work from 1879-1882.

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