Head of a Boy Seen from Behind c. 1885

This sketch, "Head of a Boy Seen from Behind" by Paul Cézanne, presents a study in form and perspective through simple graphite lines. The composition is dominated by the rounded shape of the head, rendered with layered, directional hatching that suggests volume and depth. This method builds up a sense of three-dimensionality, even with minimal shading. Cézanne's choice to depict the boy from behind removes any sense of direct engagement, focusing instead on the abstract qualities of shape and light. The visible lines, rather than precisely defining the subject, serve to explore the planes and contours of the head. The negative space around the figure is as crucial as the drawn lines, highlighting the interplay between presence and absence. This work destabilizes the traditional portrait by shifting the emphasis from likeness to an investigation of form, a theme central to Cézanne’s broader artistic project. His deconstruction and reconstruction of visual reality paved the way for future artistic innovations.