Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne was a French artist and post-impressionist painter whose work laid the foundations of the transition from the 19th century artistic conception to a new and radically different world of art in the 20th century. He was born in Aix-en-Provence on January 19, 1839, to a wealthy family, which allowed him some freedom in pursuing his artistic ambitions. Cézanne studied at the École Polytechnique and later at various art schools, including the Académie Suisse in Paris, where he met and befriended other influential artists like Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh. His early works were influenced by the Romantic movement and often depicted the life and landscape of Provence, embracing a palette that captured the vivid colors of the region. Cézanne pioneered a new approach to the treatment of color and form, displaying a deep understanding of the design and structure of objects, which became evident in his still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. He famously believed that 'with an outline, you have to give the impression of solidity.' This approach would later influence the development of abstract art. Key works include 'The Bathers', 'Still Life with Apples', and 'The Card Players'. Despite facing criticism and rejection during his lifetime, Cézanne’s influence and legacy cannot be overstated. His innovative style paved the way for movements such as Cubism and significantly impacted modern art and artists, including Picasso and Matisse. Cézanne died on October 22, 1906, in his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, where he spent most of his life. Today, he is celebrated as one of the most important artists in the history of Western art, whose works are housed in major museums and collections around the world.