Paysage avec moulin

Before you is Paysage avec moulin ("Landscape with Mill"), a captivating painting created in 1860 by the renowned artist Paul Cézanne. This oil on canvas work, housed in a London institution, is a relatively intimate piece, measuring just 33 centimeters wide and 26 centimeters high. nn The painting presents a charming rustic scene centered around a watermill. Dominated by earthy tones of browns, greens, and muted yellows, the mill itself stands out as a dark, almost black silhouette, its thatched roof contrasting with the lighter, yellowish-brown stone structure attached to it. Surrounding the mill, dark green trees create a strong visual contrast against the lighter sky. The water cascading from the mill wheel is depicted in frothy white, beautifully suggesting movement and the energy of the water. Dark brown and grey rocks are visible in the stream below. nn The soft, diffused light suggests either the early morning or late afternoon. Deep, rich shadows accentuate the mill's eaves and the dense foliage, adding depth and realism to the scene. In the background, a hazy pale sky and indistinct mountains, rendered in light blues and greys, complete the tranquil landscape. nn Two small, almost indistinct figures near the mill provide a sense of scale, subtly reminding us of the human presence within this peaceful setting. nn Cézanne's characteristic style is evident in the interplay of light and shadow and the relatively loose brushwork. The composition balances the architectural elements of the mill with the natural elements of the landscape, creating a harmonious and evocative scene. The watermill itself serves as a focal point, framed by the surrounding trees and stream, a timeless symbol of industry and the passage of time within a peaceful landscape.