The Zola Dam and Mont Sainte-Victoire

The gallery's
opinion

The Zola Dam and Mont Sainte-Victoire is part of the Mont Sainte-Victoire series by contemporary artist Clotilde Philipon. In this series, the artist pays tribute to Paul Cézanne and his mineral muse. The dialogue with art history is clear. Yet, it is expressed here in a very contemporary style.

The palette immediately sets the tone. A deep ultramarine blue fills the sky. The same blue colours the lake, so that water and air seem to mirror one another. Intense greens structure the banks and slopes. These strong greens anchor the landscape firmly in Provence, giving it a more earthy than gentle character.

In the foreground, the Zola Dam asserts itself. Its clear, architectural line guides the eye. Consequently, the gaze follows the structure and moves towards the mountain. Then, Mont Sainte-Victoire rises, distinct and almost frontal. It becomes the axis of the painting, its reference point and measure.

Light appears direct and precise. It cuts across the reliefs, emphasises the ridges, and strengthens the shadows. The contrasts gain clarity. Yet nothing feels harsh. The planes transition smoothly, aided by deliberate colour shifts.

Furthermore, the surface seems to vibrate. The blues vary subtly across the painting, while the greens breathe and support one another. As a result, the landscape feels alive, despite its monumental scale. One can sense the air, the water, and the stone.

Overall, the painting combines strength and clarity. The dam, a human construction, does not interrupt nature; instead, it connects it. The mountain, meanwhile, asserts its presence without dominating. Together, they form a balanced scene.

The Zola Dam and Mont Sainte-Victoire commands attention. Its frontal composition captures the eye, and its depth invites lingering. It could easily occupy the centre of a space, encouraging contemplation and then reflection.