Paul C茅zanne: The Large Bathers (Les Grandes baigneuses); Paul C茅zanne; 1895-1906; Oil on canvas; Note: This work has been temporarily removed from display for technical study and conservation treatment. Funding for its conservation was generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project. This is one of three monumental bathing scenes that C茅zanne produced at the very end of his career. Thick with paint; the canvas seems to have occupied him; on and off; for about ten years; between 1895 and 1906. The theme of bathers in a landscape originated in the Renaissance and traditionally showed idealized female bodies in total harmony with nature. Here; C茅zanne disturbs this easy relationship. Space is hard to read; and the landscape鈥攏ote the dead tree branches and ominous clouds鈥攕eems harsh and threatening. As for the figures; many of the poses are derived from classical statuary; but C茅zanne overturns tradition as soon as he references it: bodies are deliberately distorted; with obliterated faces; truncated limbs and uneven flesh. Look especially at the standing figure at left. She once had a head; but C茅zanne painted it out.; Overall: 52 1/8 x 86 1/4 in. (132.4 x 219.1 cm)