Wash Basin and Scent Bottle 1877 - 1881

Here is a drawing by Paul Cézanne, presenting us with a simple wash basin and scent bottle. At first glance, mundane objects, but symbols nonetheless. Consider the wash basin, not just as a vessel for physical cleansing, but as a symbolic purifier of the soul. The act of washing, deeply embedded in rituals across cultures, echoes in antiquity. Think of ancient Greek ablutions, where water cleansed not just the body but also warded off spiritual impurities. The scent bottle, a purveyor of aromas, links to the ancient use of incense and perfumes as offerings to deities, filling sacred spaces with fragrant sanctity. These objects connect across time, resurfacing in different forms, yet always tied to human desires for purification. The visual austerity of the sketch reveals the power and cyclical nature of these objects. They represent our constant striving for cleanliness and sensory elevation, reflecting a shared human yearning.