Le Cabanon de Jourdan

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a really cool painting today! It's by a famous artist named Paul Cézanne, and it's called Le Cabanon de Jourdan. Does anyone know what a cabanon might be? It's like a little house, a small cabin, maybe even a tiny hut! This painting shows one in the beautiful French countryside. nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn

This painting is pretty small, only about as tall as [gestures to a height roughly 65cm], but it's packed with amazing details! Look at the colors! See all the warm, sunny yellows and oranges? They make the little cabin look cozy and warm, don't they? And what about that little blue door? It's a tiny splash of cool blue, like a little surprise! What do you think the door might lead to? Maybe a secret room? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn

Now, look closely at the walls of the cabin. Can you see how Cézanne painted them? He didn't make them smooth. He used his brush in short, little strokes. It makes the walls look a bit rough and textured, like you could almost touch them! It's like he's showing us how the walls really feel. What do you think the walls are made of? Maybe wood or stone? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn

See the background? There are some trees, but they're not super detailed. Cézanne just hinted at them with some green and yellow colors. It's like he's letting us imagine the rest! And look at the ground – it's all earthy colors, browns and greens. Can you see a little path leading to the cabin? It's very subtle, but it's there! Where do you think that path might lead? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn

Cézanne was a really clever artist. He didn't just want to copy what he saw. He wanted to show us how he felt about the scene. He used color and his brushstrokes to make us feel calm and peaceful, like we're sitting quietly in the French countryside. Isn't that amazing? What makes you feel calm and peaceful? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn

So, Le Cabanon de Jourdan isn't just a picture of a little cabin. It's a story told with colors and brushstrokes. It shows us how a great artist can find beauty in simple things. And it's a painting that keeps on giving, the more you look at it, the more you discover! What's your favorite part of the painting? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn Now, let's go and see what other amazing artworks we have in the museum!