Quarry at Bibémus (Carrière de Bibémus), 1895-1900. Paul Cézanne. Oil on canvas. Gift of Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch.
Attracted to the iconic power of an abandoned sandstone quarry in Bibémus, a French town in the southern region of Provence, Paul Cézanne depicted it multiple times between 1895 and 1900. Here, he focused on the contrast between solid rocks and undefined trees, as well as the effects of juxtaposing colors such as orange and green. Although the region was rapidly modernizing, Cézanne omitted any signs of change, creating a timeless image that embodies the rustic spirit of southern France.
