The Little Bridge [recto]

c. 1880

Paul Cezanne

Associated Names
Paul Cezanne

Artist, French, 1839 - 1906

The image shows a drawing of intersecting tree trunks and branches. The point of view is eye level, looking at a collection of bare trees dominating the composition. In the distance, there is a suggestion of a building with a slanted roofline. The horizon line is not distinct, creating a continuous flow into the trees and building. Closest to us, at the bottom of the drawing, a small arched bridge or structure emerges. The drawing features a monochromatic color palette with varying intensities of pencil marks to convey form and shadow, giving it a raw and natural feel.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite

  • Credit Line

    Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

  • Dimensions

    overall: 21.8 x 12.5 cm (8 9/16 x 4 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.64.83.a

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Chappuis 1973, no. 776

Associated Artworks

The drawing displays the upper body of a person, with a focus on their head and shoulders. The individual appears angled, potentially seated and leaning slightly forward with their head tilted downwards. They have closed eyes, a relaxed mouth, wavy hair, and are wearing a jacket with a high collar. Next to the person lies a round object, casting a shadow on a flat surface. The background is plain without any other details.

Bust of Madame Cezanne [verso]

Paul Cezanne

1884

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Cézanne fils, Paris. (Paul Guillaume [1891-1934], Paris). A. Chappuis, Tresserve; acquired 1966 by Paul Mellon [1907-1999]; gift 1985 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1936

  • Paul Cézanne, Kunshalle Basel, 1936, no. 162.

2021

  • Cézanne Drawing, Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2021, plate 124.

  • Cézanne Drawing, Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2021, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

1973

  • Chappuis, Adrien. The Drawings of Paul Cezanne. 2 vols. Greenwich: New York Graphic Society, 1973.

Wikidata ID

Q64618841

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