Close-Looking Immersion: Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire
Friday, September 18, 12 – 1pm
Paul Cézanne. Mont Sainte-Victoire (detail), 1892–95. The Barnes Foundation, BF13
$40; members $36
About the Class
What becomes visible when we slow down and spend sustained time with a single work of art?
In this hour-long online conversation, we’ll focus on Paul Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire. Using the Barnes’s Visual Experience Platform (VXP), we will zoom in on all the little details to better understand how Cézanne captured the awe-inspiring experience of being in an open, sweeping landscape.
Through the Barnes Method and collaborative discussion, we’ll explore how careful looking can sharpen perception, deepen curiosity, and reveal unexpected connections within a single work of art. Whether you are new to art history or a seasoned museum visitor, this session offers an opportunity to experience looking as an active and reflective practice.
The class is online-only. More about online classes.
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- Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
- Improve your ability to communicate about art.
- Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.
Instructor
Kaelin Jewell
Jewell is the Bernard C. Watson Director of Adult Education at the Barnes and has taught art history for over 15 years. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in photography and art history from the University of Louisville’s Hite Institute of Art and Design and a PhD in ancient and medieval art history from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Jewell is a trained archaeologist and has worked on projects in the American Midwest and Sicily.
Barnes Method
Barnes Method courses follow the teachings of Albert Barnes and Violette de Mazia. Classes focus on rigorous formal analysis and direct visual engagement with works of art. In this method, close looking at art helps build critical-thinking skills that can be carried beyond the gallery walls.
What Students Are Saying
“Loved hearing both the instructor and students’ comments on the painting. It helped me to see things that I normally may not take note of.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Cezanne’s Ginger Jar with Bill Perthes
“Very helpful that Kaelin gave a quick summary of the Barnes Method before giving us time to review the painting.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Rousseau’s Scouts Attached by a Tiger with Kaelin Jewell
“I continue to learn more about the art techniques and intent of the painters during every session I attend. Really enjoy the process and tools during the sessions.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Manet’s Laundry with Bill Perthes
Go Further
The Art of Light
Discover how light shapes meaning in this self-paced online course. Explore its role in composition, mood, and symbolism through guided close looking.
Close-Looking Immersion: Demuth’s Piano Mover’s Holiday
Using a meditative approach, this hour-long session offers an in-depth look at Demuth’s precise technique. Instructor: Kaelin Jewell
The Language of Painting
Discover how artists use color, light, line, and space in this one‑day, on‑site workshop. Instructor: Kaelin Jewell