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

The Eternal Feminine

1875-77
Oil on canvas, 43 x 53 cm
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

A broad cross-section of male society pays homage to its naked idol, who is holding court under a white canopy in a room which looks out over the countryside. The female figure has been stripped of her individuality, and lies defenceless and exposed to the men's gaze; she is subject and object, exploiter and exploited all in one. This painting bears witness to Cézanne's own mixture of fear and longing for the female sex.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.