The Battle of Love
1880 National Gallery of Art
About this artwork
This painting depicts multiple nude or partially clothed figures in a dynamic landscape, engaged in a passionate struggle or embrace amidst lush foliage. It is an early example of Paul Cézanne's explorations into the human figure and complex compositions.
Did you know?
Paul Cézanne often revisited themes of bathers and mythological scenes throughout his career, using them as vehicles to explore form, color, and composition rather than strict narrative. This particular work, with its energetic and somewhat violent embrace, is thought to be an early example of his 'battle' or 'struggle' themes, allowing him to experiment with the dramatic arrangement of figures in nature.
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The Battle of Love
Paul Cezanne, 1880
