Study of the ‘Ecorché’ c. 1865 - 1870

Paul Cézanne created this study of the 'Ecorché' using pencil on paper. The drawing presents a detailed examination of human musculature, showcasing Cézanne's interest in form and structure. The composition, dominated by the muscular arm, emphasizes volume and mass through the use of contour lines and shading. We see the arm as a collection of shapes, each muscle carefully rendered. The stark contrast between the detailed arm and the empty space accentuates the three-dimensional quality of the figure. Cézanne's approach here reflects a broader artistic concern with reducing natural forms to their geometric essence. He challenges conventional representation by focusing on the underlying structure of the human form. The drawing destabilizes traditional academic studies by prioritizing the artist's subjective perception and analysis of form over idealized depiction. Ultimately, this study functions as an exploration of the body's architecture, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between surface appearance and structural depth. It’s a testimony to Cézanne's innovative approach to artmaking and his enduring impact on modern art.