Post-Impressionist Master

Paul Cézanne | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 28, 2025

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Who is Paul Cézanne?

Paul Cézanne was a renowned French painter born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, who played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Impressionism and the revolutionary artistic movement of Cubism. His work is celebrated for its mastery of design, color, and composition, and he significantly influenced notable artists like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Cézanne's unique approach involved a new pictorial language that explored the structural elements of art, transforming the way light, space, and form are perceived on canvas, marking him as a cornerstone of modern art.

Cézanne's journey as an artist began in Aix, where he initially faced resistance from his father regarding his artistic ambitions. Despite this, he pursued his passion, studying art in Paris and developing friendships with other revolutionary figures of the time, such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. Throughout his career, Cézanne experimented with different styles, moving from the romantic themes of his early work to a more naturalistic approach influenced by Impressionism. However, his later years reflected a shift towards abstraction, establishing a framework that would heavily impact 20th-century art movements.

His iconic pieces, such as "Mont Sainte-Victoire," "The Cardplayers," and "The Large Bathers," exemplify his innovative use of brushstrokes and color to create depth and unity in his work. Cézanne's focus on the flatness of the canvas while simultaneously suggesting volume paved the way for abstract art. He remained somewhat isolated from the mainstream art world throughout much of his life but gained recognition towards the end of his career, culminating in a retrospective exhibition shortly after his death on October 22, 1906. His legacy endures as a critical influence on the development of modern art.

Early Life and Education

Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, France, into a family of means due to his father's successful banking firm. This financial stability provided young Cézanne with opportunities not commonly afforded to many aspiring artists of his time. His formative years were marked by a significant friendship with fellow student Émile Zola, which sparked their mutual ambition for success in the vibrant artistic culture of Paris. Despite his initial inclination towards the arts, Cézanne faced opposition from his father, who persuaded him to pursue a more practical legal career, enrolling him in law studies at the University of Aix-en-Provence.

Throughout the late 1850s, Cézanne was torn between his legal education and his artistic aspirations. He enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Aix in 1856, where he honed his skills in painting and drawing. After several years of conflicting studies, Cézanne successfully convinced his father to let him relocate to Paris in 1861 to pursue his passion for art. Although his entry to the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts was initially rejected, he continued to seek artistic development at the Académie Suisse. Despite bouts of self-doubt and uncertainty during these early years, Cézanne's artistic journey was significantly influenced by his visits to the Louvre and the works of masters like Velázquez and Caravaggio.

The Start of His Artistic Career

Paul Cézanne's artistic journey began in his formative years during the 1850s, marked by the initial opposition of his father, Philippe Auguste, who urged him to pursue law instead of painting. Despite enrolling in law school at the University of Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne's passion for art led him to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Aix, where he enhanced his drawing and painting skills. This dual academic path created an internal conflict; yet, it also laid a solid foundation for his future as a revolutionary artist.

In 1861, Cézanne moved to Paris, where he hoped to immerse himself in the vibrant art scene alongside his close friend Émile Zola. Though initially rejected by the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts, he found alternative instruction at the Académie Suisse. During this tumultuous period, Cézanne faced considerable self-doubt and an evolving artistic identity, immersing himself in the revolutionary works of artists like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. While he struggled for recognition, his encounters with these influential figures would ultimately shape his distinct style, one that would serve as a bridge between Impressionism and the emerging Cubism of the 20th century.

Success and Achievements in Art

Paul Cézanne's success and achievements in art are marked by his profound impact on the transition from Impressionism to Cubism. Despite facing rejection from the annual Salons, his participation in the first exhibition of the "Société Anonyme des artistes" in 1874 was pivotal, as it contributed to the establishment of the Impressionist movement. Throughout his career, Cézanne developed a unique style that combined a personal approach to composition with vibrant color palettes and innovative use of brushstrokes. While he initially struggled for recognition, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw his work gaining increasing acclaim, leading to exhibitions at notable venues such as the Salon d'Automne.

Cézanne's later works, created in isolation in Aix-en-Provence, showcased a new pictorial language that integrated elements of flatness and spatiality, setting the stage for modern art movements. His masterpieces, such as "Mont Sainte-Victoire," "The Cardplayers," and "The Large Bathers," exemplified his ability to confront viewers with bold, dynamic compositions that demanded attention. Through his deliberate techniques, Cézanne not only transformed traditional practices but also laid the groundwork for abstract art, influencing prominent artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. His legacy endures, celebrated as a critical step in the evolution of artistic expression in the 20th century.

Personal Life: Married Life

Paul Cézanne's personal life saw significant changes as he stepped into married life, marked by the union with Hortense Fiquet, his long-time partner and model. The two had been together for 17 years before their marriage in 1886, a decision that reflected a deep commitment despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship. Their son, Paul, was born in 1872, and Cézanne's family life often intertwined with his artistic pursuits, as Hortense frequently posed for him. However, the couple's relationship was complicated, plagued by Cézanne's intense personality and relentless dedication to his craft, which sometimes overshadowed their domestic life.

Their marriage, while stabilizing, brought its challenges. Cézanne's withdrawal from social circles and the pressures of being an artist led to a certain isolation for both himself and Hortense. The artist's emotional struggles were exacerbated by the critical reception of his work, and he often sought refuge in his painting rather than in family life. Nonetheless, Hortense played a crucial role in his later years, providing both companionship and inspiration. Throughout their married life, the couple navigated the complexities of love, art, and personal ambition, ultimately influencing Cézanne's artistry in profound ways.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Paul Cézanne's financial situation was significantly impacted by his family's affluence. Born into a prosperous family in Aix-en-Provence, his father was a successful banker, which provided Cézanne with a certain level of financial security and freed him from the struggle that many artists of his time faced. This luxury allowed him to devote much of his time to experimenting with his art rather than worrying about earning a living. In fact, it is widely believed that this financial backing enabled him to take risks and develop his distinctive style, ultimately leading to his success as a pivotal figure in the transition from Impressionism to the modern movements that followed.

While specific details about Cézanne's earnings during his lifetime are scarce, it is known that he struggled to achieve commercial success early in his career. Many of his works went unsold or were rejected by various exhibitions, including the Salons. However, as his style evolved and gained recognition, particularly towards the end of the 19th century, the value of his paintings began to rise. Today, Cézanne's artworks are highly valued in the art market, with some pieces fetching millions at auctions, reflecting his lasting influence and the significant value attributed to his contributions to modern art.