The roofs 1877

Here, Cézanne captures a slice of urban life with thick strokes of oil paint, focusing on the roofs of buildings. Note how the chimneys stand like silent sentinels, emitting no smoke. These forms, rising vertically, echo the obelisks of ancient Egypt, symbols of stability and the connection between earth and sky. Consider how this motif reappears across cultures—from the watchtowers of medieval towns to the skyscrapers of modern cities. These architectural assertions, while practical, also embody our collective aspiration for permanence. The chimneys, devoid of smoke, carry an emotional weight, perhaps suggesting a pause or a quiet anticipation. Like the hearths they crown, they symbolize home and warmth, but here, they are still, holding their breath. This still life of rooftops engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The chimney is a symbol that has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.