The North Face of Mont Sainte-Victoire

The gallery's
opinion

The North Face of Mont Sainte-Victoire is part of the Mont Sainte-Victoire series by contemporary artist Clotilde Philipon. In this series, she pays tribute to Paul Cézanne and his mineral muse. Each painting explores the mountain from a fresh perspective, while maintaining a dialogue with the history of painting.

Here, the palette is deliberately monochrome. Ochre and golden earth tones dominate the composition. These warm colours create a gentle, sunlit atmosphere. They form a subtle gradation that gives depth to the mountain. The light is clear and luminous, yet never harsh. It caresses the ridges and valleys, revealing volume without hardening it.

Texture plays a central role. The surface of the painting is tactile. Material effects emphasise the relief and stone-like textures. At times, the paint seems almost sculpted. Variations in tone and density suggest both the geology of the mountain and the passage of time.

The sky, bright and serene, balances the composition. It contrasts with the mountain’s density while remaining harmonious. Colour transitions are soft, and planes overlap with fluidity. The overall effect is calm and contemplative.

The North Face of Mont Sainte-Victoire is an intimate yet powerful painting. The mountain, enhanced by colour and light, asserts itself without aggression. The viewer is invited to approach, to observe the nuances, and to feel the texture. Each glance reveals new subtleties.

In short, the work combines harmony of tones, richness of textures, and gentle luminosity. It continues Clotilde Philipon’s dialogue with Cézanne and offers a meditative, poetic vision of Provence.