Cézanne, Paul: The Château Noir saga

The château in those paintings derives its name from rumors about its owner, rather than from its appearance. It was built in the 18th century by an industrialist from Marseilles, who manufactured lampblack paint (derived from soot). He also used it to decorate the interior walls and furniture of the château. As a result, he was associated with black magic among the local people, who believed that the château was also home to the devil.

Cistern in the Park at Château Noir
c. 1900 (270 Kb); Oil on canvas, 74.3 x 61 cm (29 1/4 x 24 in); Estate of Henry Pearlman, New York; Venturi 780

Château Noir
1902-05 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 70 x 82 cm (27 1/2 x 32 1/4 in); Collection Jacques Koerfer, Bern; Venturi 797

Château Noir
1900-04 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73.7 x 96.6 cm (29 x 38 in); National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C; Venturi 796

Château Noir
1904-06 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73.6 x 93.2 cm (29 x 36 3/4 in); The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Venturi 794

Château Noir
1904-06 (240 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm (28 3/4 x 36 1/4 in); Musee du Louvre, Paris; Venturi 795