Study of an Ecorché and a Man's Face in Profile; verso: Studies, with Heads c. 1866 - 1872

Editor: This is Paul Cézanne's "Study of an Ecorché and a Man's Face in Profile," a pencil drawing. It feels like a glimpse into Cézanne's process. What do you see in this sketch? Curator: It’s a compelling look at Cézanne grappling with representation. The écorché, a figure stripped of skin to reveal muscles, reflects a history of male artistic anatomical study, often used to reinforce power structures. Editor: Power structures? Curator: Yes, control over the body, knowledge as power. Cézanne's act of sketching it, however, challenges its authority, questioning the male gaze while simultaneously engaging with it. What do you make of that? Editor: It's interesting to think of this sketch as both participating in and questioning those traditions. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It gives us insight into the complex dialogue between art, history, and representation.