Three Skulls on a Patterned Carpet 1900

Paul Cézanne's 1900 painting, "Three Skulls on a Patterned Carpet," is a quintessential example of his late style, characterized by its bold strokes and simplified forms. The still life depicts three human skulls arranged on a patterned carpet, likely inspired by the Vanitas tradition. The skulls symbolize mortality and the ephemeral nature of life, while the flowers suggest beauty and decay. The simplified forms and contrasting colors give the composition a sense of depth and weight. This painting highlights Cézanne's shift towards a more abstract approach, anticipating the birth of Cubism.