Rose Bush 1888

Paul Cézanne made this watercolor painting, Rose Bush, with a focus on form and color. Observe how Cézanne uses simple, rounded shapes to depict the leaves, creating a mosaic of green hues that dominate the composition. The brushstrokes are loose, yet precise, defining the structure of the leaves and stem with minimal detail. Cézanne’s approach to form can be understood through the lens of structuralism. He reduces natural forms to their basic geometric components, emphasizing their underlying structure rather than their surface appearance. This technique aligns with his broader artistic project of deconstructing traditional representation. The interplay of color and form in this piece challenges our conventional understanding of space and depth. Cézanne’s emphasis on the materiality of paint and the structural components of the rose bush invites us to reconsider how we perceive and interpret the natural world.