1887, Paul Cezanne, Nude Woman (Leda?) -- Tate Modern (London) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: One of Cezanne's most puzzling paintings, the inspiration for the naked woman was once thought to be Leda, from Greek mythology. Recent research has revealed a different source – a champagne label, pictured here. Its brand name Nana mirrors the title of Zola's celebrated novel, written in 1880. Nana details the scandalous life and downfall of a Parisian sex worker and actor. In copying the champagne label Cezanne may be referencing the work of his novelist friend. Conservation research shows that the upper left corner was cut out to form a separate still life, then later reattached.
1887, Paul Cezanne, Nude Woman (Leda?) -- Tate Modern (London) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: One of Cezanne's most puzzling paintings, the inspiration for the naked woman was once thought to be Leda, from Greek mythology. Recent research has revealed a different source – a champagne label, pictured here. Its brand name Nana mirrors the title of Zola's celebrated novel, written in 1880. Nana details the scandalous life and downfall of a Parisian sex worker and actor. In copying the champagne label Cezanne may be referencing the work of his novelist friend. Conservation research shows that the upper left corner was cut out to form a separate still life, then later reattached.