Turn in the Road c. 1881

This landscape was painted by Paul Cézanne, who was working in France at the turn of the 20th century, using oil paint on canvas. The material qualities of the paint itself play a central role in the work. Cézanne's brushstrokes are clearly visible, creating a textured surface that captures the essence of the scene. Notice how he builds up the forms of the houses, trees, and road with layers of color. It's a slow and deliberate way of working. He wasn’t interested in capturing a fleeting impression, but rather in building a solid, lasting image. In some ways, it’s a humble scene – a village nestled in the French countryside. Yet, the very act of transforming this everyday subject into a painting elevates it, inviting us to see the beauty in the ordinary. Ultimately, Cézanne reminds us that how something is made is just as important as what it depicts. The material and the method give the painting its lasting power.