The Card Players, Paul Cézanne

The Card Players, Paul Cézanne c. 1890-92 (140 Kb); Oil on canvas, 45cm x 57cm in; Musée d'Orsay, Paris

This is the first image i have decided to analyse for my visual communication module. I chose this image as a starting point because it is one of five versions, that each slightly different could be able to tell a different narrative from the other. The image is a side-on view of two men playing cards at a table. The men although facing each other do not seem to be in contention with each other. In fact they are not making eye contact, and their body language is mirrored; arms  stretched out holding the cards, head tilted forward, seated with their knees  together. This creates a continuous foreground, to the left, right and and middle below halfway down the image. This emphasises the space between them and creates a sense of privacy. The figure on the left does not seem to be entirely in proportion, as his head seems considerably smaller than his torso. The perspective of the viewer is roughly around the eye level of the card players, if not slightly looking down on their game, which can place the viewer in a place of authority. Also there is nothing to suggest wealth in this image, which could suggest they are of a poorer disposition. I will in time, look at the other version of this image to see a different narrative.

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/cezanne/players/