The painting depicts an old manor on a hill near the Bibémus quarry. The building, probably once painted a dark color (hence the name 'Black Castle'), is surrounded by a dense pine forest. The scene is enigmatic, almost mysterious, with the house partly hidden behind trees and rocks, creating an overwhelming, melancholic atmosphere. The color palette is saturated with dark greens, blues, and ochres, further emphasizing the mood of the work. Paintings from this period, including 'Chateau Noir' and landscapes from the Bibémus quarry, indicate the artist's melancholy and reflection on his own mortality, which was particularly felt in his later years.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Paul Cézanne

  • Date of birth and death

    19 January 1839 – 22 October 1906

  • Natinality

    French

  • Style

    Post-Impressionism, pioneering geometric form in painting, color modulation, multiple perspectives

  • Significant works

    Mont Sainte-Victoire series, The Card Players, The Bathers, Pyramid of Skulls, Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1904

  • Execution technique:

    oil on canvas

  • Theme:

    Landscape, nature, abandoned manor, melancholy

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The painting symbolizes a sense of isolation and passing time by depicting an abandoned house amidst wild nature. The painterly palette and composition express Cézanne's reflection on his own health condition and proximity to death.

The key to interpreting the work

It is recommended to interpret in the context of Cézanne's late creative period, during which the artist focused on emotional and existential aspects of nature and landscape.

See other works by this artist

Bibemus Quarry

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1900
Explore

Large Bathers

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1900
Explore

The Brook

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1898-1900
Explore

Forest

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1890
Explore

The Card Players

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1890-1892
Explore

Woman in a Green Hat (Madame Cezanne)

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1894-1895
Explore

Mont Sainte-Victoire

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1895
Explore

Basket of Apples

  • Artist: Paul Cézanne
  • Year: 1895
Explore

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