Bathers 1870

Paul Cézanne created this small oil painting, titled "Bathers", using techniques that broke with academic tradition. Cézanne built up the composition through layers of loosely applied brushstrokes that were not blended, giving a sense of texture and depth to the picture surface. The paint itself has a materiality, a density that gives the impression of a mosaic. His methods involved a deep engagement with the physicality of paint, diverging from the polished finish favored by the art establishment. The labor-intensive process is evident in the visible brushwork, reflecting a shift towards valuing the artist's individual expression and the act of painting itself. Instead of depicting an idealized scene, Cézanne invites viewers to appreciate the sensory experience of the painting, and in doing so, elevating the status of his craft.