MONTAGNES EN PROVENCE,1886-90, NG LONDON.Venturi 491 Paul Cezanne (1839-1906)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by rolling hills and rocky terrain. The foreground is defined by a steep escarpment, rendered with angular brushstrokes that emphasize its geological structure. These rocks are not depicted realistically; instead, they appear as abstracted forms, constructed from planes of ochre, brown, and grey, punctuated by touches of white to suggest light reflecting off their surfaces. A solitary pine tree rises prominently on the left side of the foreground, its dark green foliage contrasting with the warmer tones of the surrounding rocks and hills.
Beyond the escarpment, a series of gently sloping hills unfolds, receding into the distance. These hills are painted in broad strokes of yellow, orange, and green, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. A small cluster of buildings is visible on one of the distant slopes, suggesting human presence within this otherwise natural setting. The sky occupies a relatively small portion of the canvas, appearing as a pale wash of blue-grey that contributes to the overall muted color palette.
The artist’s technique involves a deliberate flattening of perspective and a reduction of detail. There is an absence of traditional modeling or shading; instead, forms are built up through successive layers of paint applied in distinct planes. This approach lends the landscape a sense of solidity and monumentality, while simultaneously denying it any illusionistic depth. The brushwork itself is visible throughout, adding texture and dynamism to the surface.
Subtly, theres an exploration of the relationship between nature and human intervention. While the landscape appears vast and untamed, the presence of buildings hints at a history of cultivation and settlement. The artist seems less interested in portraying a picturesque view than in analyzing the underlying structure of the land – its geological formations, its topography, and its interaction with human activity. Theres an emphasis on observation and analysis rather than emotional expression or narrative storytelling. The work suggests a contemplative engagement with the natural world, one that prioritizes formal considerations over sentimental representation.