Artwork Description: Untitled (Rimbaud/Cézanne Series) by Sir Sidney Nolan

• Artist: Sir Sidney Robert Nolan OM AC CBE RA
• Date: 1978
• Size: 70 x 103 cm

Subject and Inspiration

This striking artwork, part of Nolan's "Rimbaud/Cézanne Series," is a sketch or study that draws inspiration from the works of two influential French figures: the poet Arthur Rimbaud and the painter Paul Cézanne. Nolan, deeply moved by Rimbaud’s evocative poetry and Cézanne’s innovative approach to form and space, sought to create a dialogue between these seemingly disparate artistic sensibilities. The piece features a stylized depiction of a woman holding a trumpet to her ear, surrounded by symbolic elements such as a table setting (wine glass and cup) and what appears to be a skull or head resting on the ground.

Style and Technique

The artwork is executed in a loose and expressive style characteristic of Nolan's later works. Bold lines define the forms, but with a deliberate lack of precision, contributing to a sense of dynamic movement and spontaneity. The color palette is vibrant, dominated by reds, blues, greens, and touches of yellow and orange applied in broad strokes with minimal blending. This technique creates a high-contrast effect that emphasizes emotion over precise representation. The style leans towards Expressionism, prioritizing the conveyance of feeling through distorted forms and bold colors rather than strict realism.

Symbolism and Emotional Impact

Several symbolic elements contribute to the artwork's layered meaning. The presence of a skull evokes themes of mortality and contemplation, while the trumpet could represent artistic expression or a connection to something beyond the everyday. The woman’s posture, holding the trumpet to her ear, suggests listening intently – perhaps to inspiration, memory, or an inner voice. The seemingly random arrangement of objects adds to the sense of mystery and invites viewers to interpret their significance within the context of Nolan's artistic dialogue between Rimbaud and Cézanne. Overall, the piece evokes a feeling of expressive energy, tinged with melancholy and introspection.

Historical Context and Artistic Influences

Nolan’s fascination with both Rimbaud and Cézanne is central to understanding this work. He first encountered Cézanne's paintings in Melbourne in 1939, recognizing the impact of Cézanne’s treatment of pictorial space – his flattening of the picture plane and use of color patches to create multiple viewpoints. Nolan also admired Rimbaud’s poetic musings, believing that "Reading Rimbaud one got art." This series, created in 1978, reflects Nolan's attempt to capture the creative spirit of these artistic muses through a collection of sketches that appear arbitrary and child-like at first glance, but reveal a deeper exploration of artistic process when viewed as a whole.