Impressionism and Post-Impressionism: Monet's Sunrise and Cézanne's Card Players

Masterpieces of Modern Art: Technique and Theme

Analysis of Impression, Sunrise (Monet)

Artist: Claude Monet

Technique: Oil on canvas, 48 x 63 cm.

Compositional Elements

• Line: The figures are very schematic. In the background, ships are hinted at with their masts and the chimneys of smoking factories. Everything is softened, yet the fog does not prevent the distinction of the sun.
• Volume: The technique endures a form of sfumato, although the overall composition is blurred.
• Perspective: The perspective is linear. In the background, small boats and factories are observed. Approaching the viewer, three rowing boats are clearly appreciated.

Color and Light

• Color: The application of colored paint (heavy shades of blue, violet, gray, red, and orange) appears loose, aiming to achieve subtle effects of light.
• Light: The red outline of the sun and its reflections in the water are represented, separated as they approach the observer.

Theme and Significance

The painting represents a seascape, specifically the Port of Le Havre. Monet sought to convey the impression caused by seeing the sunrise, capturing an atmosphere rather than a detailed scene. This work was a foundational reference point for Impressionism and signaled a new approach to painting.

Analysis of The Card Players (Cézanne)

Movement: Post-Impressionism (1890–1895)

Technique: Oil on canvas, 47 x 57 cm.

Form and Structure

• Line and Volume: Short, fine, and superimposed brushstrokes of different tones were used to model objects and volumes, defining the nature of the forms.
• Perspective: Cézanne disregarded traditional perspective, utilizing multiple points of view. While the position and gestures of the figures are quite symmetrical, the overall composition is slightly asymmetrical. Tension is focused on the arrangement of objects on the table and the players' hands.

Color, Light, and Technique

• Color: The spectrum is sober and harmonic, predominantly featuring warm colors alternating with dark and cold tones. Cézanne used color to define fundamental geometric forms. He rejected chiaroscuro, working instead with brief brushstrokes. He also aimed to use color to build solid, geometric shapes. (Note: Observe the color reversal—one player wears a brown jacket and yellow pants, and the other the reverse.)
• Light: The light is universal, though the man on the right appears to illuminate the scene.

Theme and Psychological Depth

The theme is figurative, depicting two characters engaged in a daily activity: playing cards in the artist's village. Psychologically, the relationship between the players is highlighted; the player on the left appears more secure. Mobility is subtly expressed through the use of lighter colors and sensitive light. The function of this work was to further research pictorial techniques and practices.