Marion and Valabregue Posing for a Picture 1866

"Marion and Valabregue Posing for a Picture" is an oil painting on canvas by Paul Cézanne created in 1866. It features two men, Marion and Valabregue, posing outdoors, likely in a rural setting. The figures are depicted in a simplified, almost cartoonish style, with heavy outlines and flat areas of color, characteristic of Cézanne's early works. The background is composed of foliage, a building, and a hillside, suggesting a natural environment. Cézanne's interest in depicting everyday life, particularly rural subjects, is evident in this work. This painting is a unique piece that exemplifies Cézanne's early exploration of form and color, paving the way for his later influential Post-Impressionist style.