Study of Bathers 1898

Paul Cézanne made this oil painting on canvas called 'Study of Bathers', sometime in the late 19th century. The image offers an intimate glimpse into leisure, showing a group of nude figures in a wooded landscape. In 19th century France, the depiction of the nude was tied to power. By choosing an informal, naturalistic style, Cézanne distances himself from the classical tradition of idealized bodies favored by the French Academy. Think about this choice in the context of the Impressionist movement, which challenged the Academy's authority. Cézanne's loose brushwork and interest in capturing light and atmosphere reflect Impressionist concerns. However, his focus on form and structure also anticipates later developments in modern art. Understanding the visual codes of this piece requires us to think about the artistic institutions of its time, and the ways in which artists like Cézanne both embraced and rejected academic conventions. We can learn more by consulting period publications and exhibition reviews.