Seascape 1864

Paul Cézanne made this watercolor and pencil work, Seascape, with just a few simple materials. The transparent washes of color, diluted with water, allow the white of the paper to shine through, creating luminosity. This was typical of Cézanne, who was very interested in the effects of light, and how to capture them in paint. Here, the thinness of the watercolor allows him to build up layers of tone, creating depth and atmosphere with minimal means. Note how Cézanne also added sharp black lines, scratched in with a pencil. This technique allows him to define the forms of the boats, building and horizon, contrasting them with the blurred watercolor background. This way of working is so open, and has a refreshing quality, as if the landscape was caught in a moment. Ultimately, the success of this work relies on the combination of these two techniques: the looseness of the watercolor, and the precision of the pencil line. This reminds us that even a seemingly simple work can be the product of great skill and technique.