Hidden sketches by French painter Cezanne found during restoration work

Unfinished sketches by the famed French artist Paul Cezanne have been found hidden on the backs of two of his watercolours, a Pennsylvania-based art foundation said on Saturday. The Barnes Foundation said the sketches, one graphite and one watercolour, likely have not been seen since the early 20th century. They were discovered when art conservators in Philadelphia undertook a conservation treatment of paintings known as “The Chaine de l’Etoile Mountains,” and “Trees,” both of which depict French landscapes.

These sketches offer a window into Cezanne’s artistic process, which is truly invaluable.

Barbara Buckley, senior director of conservation at the Barnes Foundation

Albert Barnes purchased the works from American art collector Leo Stein in 1921, and Barnes likely did not know about the sketches, according to Martha Lucy, a Barnes Foundation consulting curator. The newly discovered sketches will go on display April 10 through May 18. Afterwards the watercolours will go back on display in their original locations, the foundation said. It was not uncommon for the post-Impressionist painter to work on both sides of the paper in his sketchbooks and on larger sheets.

Arts Cezanne