Two Heads 1890 - 1896

Paul Cézanne sketched "Two Heads" using graphite, achieving a composition where the figures interact through proximity rather than direct engagement. The economy of line and subtle gradations create a study in form and volume. Observe how the texture of the paper affects the appearance of the graphite, adding depth and a sense of immediacy. Cézanne masterfully uses line to define shape, yet leaves areas open, inviting the viewer to complete the forms. This incompleteness challenges traditional representation, hinting at the shifting perspectives and multiple viewpoints that would later define his paintings. Consider the interplay between the figures: the juxtaposition of profiles and the shared shoulder suggest a relationship, but their averted gazes maintain a sense of detachment. Cézanne's reduction of detail directs our attention to the underlying structure, prefiguring the dissolution of form in early abstraction. This drawing embodies a shift from replicating reality to exploring its essential components.