Self-Portrait with Beret 1900

Paul Cézanne’s Self-Portrait with Beret is an oil on canvas painting that gives insight into the artist’s perception of himself as an artist and as a member of French society. Painted in France during the late 19th century, this portrait reflects a pivotal era of artistic and social change. Cézanne, a key figure in the Post-Impressionist movement, challenged the academic conventions of the time by emphasizing the subjective experience of perception. His use of color, form, and brushwork broke with traditional techniques, reflecting a broader shift away from realism. The beret itself has symbolic value. During this period, berets were used to signal solidarity and group membership and later became associated with the working class and radical politics. The history of art institutions and their role in shaping artistic taste and value, can be explored through letters, reviews, and exhibition records. These materials provide insights into the ways in which Cézanne's work was received and interpreted by critics, collectors, and the public.