Cushion of an Armchair 1886 - 1889

Paul Cézanne’s sketch presents us with the corner of an armchair cushion, delineated in subtle pencil strokes. But let us focus on the spiral motif at the bottom, which is far more than mere decoration. Throughout history, the spiral emerges as a primal symbol—think of the labyrinthine meanders on ancient Cretan pottery, symbols of our human journey through life's complexities. The upward surge of Ionic columns echoes this form, as does the swirling energy in Hokusai's Great Wave, each a testament to nature's dynamic forces. The spiral carries with it the weight of cultural memory. This symbol is not just a visual element; it is a psychological conduit, pulling on our subconscious understanding of growth, expansion, and the cyclical nature of existence. What could be the relation with the spiral of a nautilus shell, the symbol of continuous growth, or even the 'Vitruvian Man' from Da Vinci, the navel, the center of the vital spiral? As you gaze upon this simple sketch, remember that seemingly modest symbols, in the hand of an artist, can resonate far beyond their immediate context, speaking to the timeless human condition.