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"Harlequin (ca. 1888–1890)" is a remarkable painting by the post-impressionist master Paul Cézanne, dating from the late 19th century. This painting captures the figure of a harlequin, a character traditionally associated with the commedia dell'arte, an early form of professional theater originating in Italy that is known for its stock characters, masks, and improvisation.

Description of the Painting:

In "Harlequin," Cézanne presents a figure rendered in his distinctive, innovative style which departs from the Impressionists’ focus on light and transient effects, embracing instead a more structured, geometric approach to forms and space. The harlequin stands in a confident and slightly contrived pose, with one hand on the hip and the other resting on a stack of barrels, giving the impression of ease and nonchalance.

The character is dressed in a traditional harlequin costume, which features a patterned bodysuit adorned with alternating diamonds of vibrant red and blue. The fitted costume hugs the contours of the form, emphasizing the structure and anatomy of the figure beneath it. Cézanne uses his signature technique of repetitive, exploratory brushstrokes to depict the figure and costume, giving the surface a sense of depth and dimensionality despite the relative flatness of the color planes.

The background is relatively nondescript, featuring muted tones and soft, undulating shapes that push the harlequin to the foreground and focus the viewer’s attention on the complex, dynamic interplay of colors and form within the figure itself. This composition underscores Cézanne’s interest in breaking down natural forms into basic geometric shapes and capturing the essence of the subject through meticulous attention to structure and form.

Information about the Artist and Painting:

Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) is often credited as a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century artistic endeavors to the radically different 20th-century movements. His work is primarily associated with post-impressionism, a term which describes the reaction against the naturalism of the Impressionists to explore color, form, and structure in new and innovative ways.

Cézanne's approach in "Harlequin" showcases his preoccupation with the underlying geometry of the forms he painted. His work features an inherent tension between the flatness of the picture plane and the depth suggested by his brushwork and composition.

This painting is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., which boasts a significant collection of Cézanne's works and provides a critical context for understanding his contribution to modern art. "Harlequin" reflects Cézanne's broader practice during the late 1880s and early 1890s, a period when he was intensely focused on both figure studies and still lifes, applying his methodical approach to various subjects to explore new dimensions in painting.

Noteworthy Details of the Painting:

1. Innovation in Form and Color: Cézanne’s use of vivid color contrasts and geometric interpretations of natural forms can be seen as a precursor to Cubism. His innovative approach influenced many later artists, including Picasso and Matisse.

2. Theatrical Subject Matter: The choice of a harlequin, a figure rich with theatrical and cultural connotations, aligns with Cézanne's interest in exploring varied subject matter. The harlequin, being a figure of transformation and disguise, also mirrors Cézanne’s own approach to transforming traditional painting methods.

3. Brushwork Technique: The brushwork in "Harlequin" is distinctive, with Cézanne’s characteristic, almost sculptural application of paint. This method builds up the surface in layers, enhancing the sense of volume and form.

4. Spatial Ambiguity: The ambiguous background, melding into the harlequin’s figure, exemplifies Cézanne’s practice of merging figure and ground to lessen the sense of a distinct separation between elements in his paintings. This creates a more cohesive and integrated visual experience.

"Harlequin" is thus a seminal piece representative of Cézanne’s groundbreaking approach to art, serving as an important link between the Impressionist movement and the developments that heralded modern art in the 20th century.