Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) is often hailed as one of the most influential painters in the history of modern art.

Born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cézanne's work laid the foundation for the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to the radically different world of 20th-century Cubism. His innovative approach to form, colour and composition significantly influenced later artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

Cézanne began his artistic journey in Paris, where he met and mingled with key figures of the Impressionist movement, including Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet.

Although he initially worked in an Impressionist style, Cézanne gradually developed a unique approach, characterised by a methodical, almost architectural quality.

His brushstrokes, often described as 'constructive strokes', built up form through careful modulation of colour rather than relying on line and contour.

One of Cézanne's central preoccupations was the exploration of geometric simplification and optical phenomena. His still lifes, such as 'Still Life with Apples' (1895-1898), demonstrate his quest to break down objects into their basic geometric shapes, foreshadowing the later developments in Cubism. Similarly, his landscape series, including the iconic 'Mont Sainte-Victoire', reveals his fascination with capturing the essence and structure of nature through a unique lens.

Cézanne's portraiture, including works like 'Madame Cézanne in a Yellow Chair' (1888-1890), also showcases his innovative style.  He rejected the traditional techniques of modelling and shading, instead using blocks of colour to convey volume and depth, giving his portraits an almost structural quality.

Despite facing initial criticism and limited commercial success, Cézanne's work gained recognition and acclaim later in his life. His groundbreaking techniques and visionary approach have earned him the moniker 'the father of modern art', as his exploration of form, perspective, and colour continues to inspire artists worldwide.

Cézanne's legacy lies in his relentless pursuit of artistic truth, challenging conventional boundaries and paving the way for future generations to explore new artistic horizons.