CÉZANNE, Paul
(b. 1839, Aix-en-Provence, d. 1906, Aix-en-Provence)

Afternoon in Naples

1872-75
Oil on canvas, 37 x 45 cm
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

This openly provocative and sensual painting shows a naked couple in bed, being served with a love potion by an exotic serving-maid. The picture was regarded as an offence against public decency, as well as against the Salon, and of course this unambiguous painting was rejected.