Hand and Shoulder of a Boy c. 1885

"Hand and Shoulder of a Boy" is a charcoal drawing by the French post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, created around 1885. The work is a study of the human form, characterized by Cézanne's signature use of simplified shapes and expressive lines. This is characteristic of Cézanne's approach to capturing the essence of the subject, emphasizing form and volume over photographic realism. The drawing depicts a young boy's shoulder and hand, with his head turned away, giving the piece a sense of intimacy and mystery. This drawing exemplifies Cézanne's influence on later generations of artists, including Cubists, for his innovative approach to representing the human form and his exploration of the expressive potential of line and form.