Cinq baigneuses c. 1879 - 1882

Curator: Paul Cézanne's drawing, "Cinq baigneuses," which translates to "Five Bathers," from around 1879 to 1882, is before us. Executed in pencil, this work presents a fascinating glimpse into the artist's process. Editor: Oh, interesting. Right away, I'm struck by how unfinished it feels. Not in a bad way, mind you! There's something intimate about seeing the scaffolding, those grid lines faintly visible beneath the figures. Like we’ve caught Cézanne mid-thought. Curator: Precisely! The grid suggests a methodical approach, perhaps a system for mapping out the composition. Bathers are a recurring motif for Cézanne, and here, we see the nascent stages of an idea he would explore throughout his career. Consider, for example, how the arrangement evokes classical depictions of nymphs, a visual link stretching back centuries. Editor: Nymphs at a pool party, maybe. They definitely have this sense of being caught in a candid moment. The bodies are so…unidealized, and very deliberately unidealized. What are your feelings about the choice of leaving it as just pencil? Does it change how the nudes are viewed when it's not colored and pristine? Curator: I think the medium underscores the pursuit of form over mere representation. The use of pencil allows us to see how the artist sought out geometrical forms to create more organic structures and compositions. Think about the symbolism of water, often associated with cleansing and rebirth, which could imply deeper spiritual associations linked to femininity and community here. Editor: That makes sense. Though to be honest, the first thing I thought about was how much sunblock they’re missing. There's also, strangely, something so grounded in this scene. These feel less like classical ideals and more like, women taking a break from their lives. Curator: That tension between the classical and the modern is characteristic of Cézanne's work, his capacity to invest age-old themes with contemporary life. Editor: Absolutely, he manages to humanize the age-old story, doesn't he? Well, this little glimpse behind the curtain was captivating. I have more to ponder than before. Curator: As do I. "Cinq baigneuses," even in its seeming incompleteness, proves that artistic brilliance often lies within the journey, not just the destination.