Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) – Mill at Pontoise Alte und Neue Nationalgalerie (Berlin)

The canvas presents a rural scene dominated by a substantial building with a red-tiled roof, centrally positioned and commanding attention. This structure appears to be a mill, evidenced by the presence of what seems to be a water wheel partially submerged in a body of water that occupies the foreground. The water reflects the surrounding foliage and sky, creating a shimmering effect that disrupts any sense of clear mirroring.
A winding path leads towards the viewer from the lower right corner, suggesting an invitation into this landscape. Dense vegetation – trees and shrubs – frames the composition on both sides, particularly noticeable in the left quadrant where a tall, dark tree acts as a vertical anchor. The background is populated with additional buildings and structures, receding into the distance under a sky punctuated by puffy clouds.
The artist’s application of paint is characterized by short, distinct brushstrokes that build up form through color rather than precise lines. This technique lends a textured quality to the surfaces, softening edges and blurring distinctions between objects. The palette is predominantly earthy – greens, browns, yellows – with touches of blue in the sky and reflections on the water.
The overall impression is one of quiet observation and an attempt to capture not just the visual appearance of the scene but also its inherent structure. Theres a deliberate flattening of perspective; spatial depth isn’t rendered through traditional means like linear convergence or atmospheric haze, but rather through subtle shifts in color intensity and size. This approach emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the canvas itself.
Subtexts within the work hint at themes of industry and nature coexisting. The mill, a symbol of human endeavor, is integrated seamlessly into the natural environment. It’s not presented as an imposition upon the landscape but rather as a component of it. The deliberate lack of figures or narrative elements encourages contemplation of the scenes inherent qualities – the interplay of light and shadow, the textures of vegetation, and the solidity of the built structures. There is a sense of stillness and permanence conveyed by the composition, suggesting an enduring relationship between humanity and the land.