A Head, a Cup and a Bread Roll 1891 - 1894

Paul Cézanne made this drawing with graphite pencil, using a common material to create the images of everyday objects. The focus of the work lies not only in its subject matter but also in the artistic process itself. Through delicate lines, shading, and textures, the artist captures the subtle nuances of light and form. Look at the way the graphite pencil defines the contours of each object: The curve of the cup, the details of the face, and the shape of the bread roll. Cézanne challenges traditional notions of fine art by elevating humble materials and everyday objects to the level of artistic contemplation. The choice of the graphite pencil, along with the seemingly mundane subject matter, emphasizes the value of labor, the process of production, and the beauty found in simplicity. This drawing invites us to reconsider our understanding of art, urging us to recognize the significance of both the materials used and the making processes, challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.