An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Standing Bather, Seen from the BackPaul Cezanne (French, 1839–1906)
1879-82
France
31.7 × 21.6 cm (12 1/2 × 8 1/2 in.); Framed: 53.4 × 42.3 × 8.9 cm (21 × 16 5/8 × 3 1/2 in.)
Oil on canvas
Bequest of Brooks McCormick
['19th century', 'Impressionism']
['nudes', 'rocks', 'bathers', 'trees', 'foliage', 'landscape', 'man', 'Male']
['painting', 'european painting', 'french', 'oil on canvas']
['oil paint (paint)', 'canvas']
['painting techniques', 'painting', 'painting (image making)']
In the course of making an artwork, Paul Cezanne often significantly altered his original design. Someone, perhaps the artist, cut this canvas from a larger painting, retaining remnants of the other composition. In the lower-left corner, a series of blue lines can be read as the legs of a seated figure from knees to ankles; the body may have continued on an adjacent part of the canvas. These lines sit on top of the background foliage, indicating that Cezanne added this second figure after completing the first, presumably before changing his mind about the direction of the painting or moving on to another work.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the quiet hours of creation, when a brush glides across the canvas, a world unfolds beyond mere colors and forms. Paul Cezanne, a master of transformation, often found himself at the crossroads of intention and inspiration. His artistic journey was not simply a matter of strokes and shades; it was a dance of ideas, flowing in unexpected directions.
Imagine, if you will, a canvas that once belonged to a larger dream. Cezanne, ever the meticulous craftsman, took a bold step. Someone—perhaps it was he himself—sliced into this vibrant tapestry, revealing the remnants of a previous vision. In the lower-left corner, ghostly blue lines emerge, forming the delicate outline of a seated figure. These lines, stretching from knees to ankles, whisper a narrative of an unfinished story—a potential life cut short before it could truly begin.
It seems as if the body of this figure may have reached out into another part of the canvas, yearning for connection, yet tethered to this moment. Surrounded by lush, leafy greens, the foliage sways gently in acknowledgement of the artist's choices. It is here that one can sense Cezanne's thought process—a deliberate layer added after the first vision had been firmly set.
But in this act of addition, one can also feel a hesitation. Perhaps he found himself at a crossroad, contemplating which direction his artistic journey should take. Should he continue unraveling this vision or pivot, embracing the allure of another? Each brush stroke, each alteration, breathes the complexity of his decision-making, revealing the internal dialogue that accompanies every creation.
Thus, within this single canvas lies a tapestry of possibilities. It is a quiet testament to an artist’s quest—a reminder that every piece of art carries with it the weight of decisions made and paths not taken, forever resonating in the silence between the lines.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
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