Mark Tansey’s painting, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1987), is a captivating work that showcases his admiration for the art of Paul Cezanne. The painting depicts two of Cezanne’s popular themes: his bathers and the limestone mountain in southern France known as Montagne Sainte-Victoire. This mountain already had symbolic significance in the area, making its presence in Tansey’s work a powerful addition.
Considered one of Tansey’s most important works, Mont Sainte-Victoire is also significant as it has been offered for auction. In this piece, Tansey merges Plato’s allegory of prisoners in a cave with a Frenchman’s critique on the impossibilities of interpretation by Germans – creating his unique paradigm of truth.
While Mark Tansey manages to pay homage to Cezanne through Mont Sainte-Victoire, he does not fail to make it his own masterpiece with its impressive and distinct style.
Overall, Mark Tansey’s 1987 artwork, Mont Sainte-Victoire reflects both his fascination with Paul Cezanne and his excellent artistic skills.