In the idyllic countryside near Aix-en-Provence during the latter part of the 19th century, Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) dedicated himself to capturing landscapes and still lifes that would become pivotal in the realm of modern art. Through his distinctive brushwork, characterized by compact, intense brushstrokes and revolutionary approaches to light and space, he bridged the gap between Impressionism and the defining art movements of the early 20th century. Both Matisse and Picasso hailed him as the "father of us all," recognizing his profound influence.
This insightful introduction delves into Cézanne's body of work, exploring his artistic development, innovation, and significant impact on the evolution of modern art. From his depictions of fruits and pears to his portrayals of outdoor bathers, we trace his exploration of color, perspective, and texture, all aimed at capturing a harmonious parallel to nature and the act of perception itself.
Within these pages, we encounter Cézanne's celebrated masterpiece, "The Card Players," where he skillfully layers warm and cool hues to construct form and surface. We also witness the geometric precision of his landscapes near Aix-en-Provence, bathed in the luminous light of southern France, showcasing a radical reinterpretation of dimensions and depth. Through carefully selected works, this book provides an illuminating journey into the artistic world of Cézanne and his enduring contributions to the art world.
Paul Cézanne (1839 – 1906) was a French Post-Impressionist painter whose work introduced new modes of representation and influenced avant-garde artistic movements of the early 20th century. Cézanne is said to have formed the bridge between late 19th-century Impressionism and early 20th century Cubism. Both Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are said to have remarked that Cézanne "is the father of us all".
His painting provoked incomprehension and ridicule in contemporary art criticism. Until the late 1890s it was mainly fellow artists such as Camille Pissarro and the art dealer and gallery owner Ambroise Vollard who discovered Cézanne's work and were among the first to buy his paintings. In 1895, Vollard opened the first solo exhibition in his Paris gallery, which led to a broader examination of the artist's work.
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