When talking about classic painters, Paul Cezanne is often on the same lists as other greats like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. As an artist in the mid to late 19th century, Cezanne straddled the line between post-impressionism and cubist and abstract movements of the early 1900s. Being part of both worlds is part of what makes Cezanne’s work so timeless and transcendent.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at this revolutionary artist and why his pieces are so resonant today.
Early Life
Compared to his contemporaries, Cezanne was pretty lucky. As the son of a banking entrepreneur, Cezanne enjoyed the lap of luxury during his entire life. Having so much leisure time enabled Cezanne to paint and study more often. Even after his father passed, the artist received a sizable inheritance, further funding his lifestyle.
Cezanne was born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence to parents Anne and Louis. Cezanne’s father was a successful banker, handled the family business and finances, while his mother helped shape the young boy’s worldview. According to people who knew her, Anne was “vivacious and romantic, but quick to take offense.” Her spirited approach to everything is likely part of why Cezanne became so passionate about art.
Education
As a child of financial means, Cezanne attended school regularly. At ten, he went to the St. Joseph School in Aix and then the College Bourbon in 1852. In college, he became friends with Emile Zola and Baptistin Baille. The three became known as the “Three Inseparables” because they would spend so much time together.
Cezanne wound up spending six years at college, although he was a day scholar during the last two years. In 1857, Cezanne began to learn how to draw by attending the Free Municipal School of Drawing, also in Aix.
Despite Cezanne’s artistic capabilities, his father wanted him to go to law school. From 1858 to 1861, he attended the law school of the University of Aix. Studying legal doctrine by day, and presumably drawing and painting by night. In 1861, Cezanne ditched law school and went to join his friend Zola in Paris.
Artistic Style
Cezanne happened to be developing his artistic talents during the impressionist period when painters would eschew realism for “impressions” of their subjects. This style shows the methods of producing the artwork itself, with brushstrokes featuring in each piece. Cezanne embraced this technique, especially after meeting with Camille Pissarro in Paris. At first, Pissarro acted as a mentor, but as Cezanne’s skills grew, they became friendly contemporaries.
Much of Cezanne’s work has the DNA of impressionism, although some pieces stray further into realism. Although Cezanne didn’t dive into cubism or abstract art, his blend of impressionism and realism helped shape other artists, Pablo Picasso. Picasso even remarked that Cezanne was “the father to us all.”
Part of Cezanne’s motivation was to create timeless pieces like the ones he would see at the art museums. Since classical works were all realistic landscapes, portraits, and action scenes, Cezanne emulated those works into his own art. He created many lifestyle pieces of people in their environment, and he also dabbled in still life and portrait paintings. But, landscapes became Cezanne’s main focus, particularly when he moved out of Paris in 1870 with his mistress Marie-Hortense Fiquet.
We can break Cezanne’s artistic style into four distinct periods:
- Dark Period (1861 to 1870) – As a young man, Cezanne was a bit anti-social and often experienced depression. This period is marked by darker colors and the prodigious use of black. During this time, in 1863, he became acquainted with Renoir and Manet.
- Impressionist Period (1870 to 1878) – After moving from Paris, Cezanne dove headfirst into landscapes. He moved back to Paris in 1871 (his departure was partially due to the Franco-Prussian War) and had a son the following year. During this period, Cezanne worked a lot with Pissarro and often traveled to exhibit his works.
- Mature Period (1878 to 1890) – During this period, Cezanne married his mistress, his father died (leaving a sizable inheritance), and he continued to raise his son. His artwork reflects the life-changing gravity of these situations and how they impacted Cezanne emotionally.
- Final Period (1890 to 1906) – We’ll reflect on this period in the next section, as it often revolved around death as Cezanne’s health and relationships were strained during his final years.
Death
Paul Cezanne died in 1906, due in part to his diabetes, which came about in 1890. The last 16 years of his life were marked by setbacks, including becoming estranged from his wife and son. While they did reconcile in 1897 (the same year Cezanne’s mother died), their relationship was strained by Cezanne’s need to isolate himself to paint.
This period was also when Cezanne helped usher in the Cubist movement. After a trip to the Bebemus Quarries in 1895, Cezanne rented a cabin there two years later and painted extensively. It’s believed that his works that illustrated the quarry’s labyrinths and their harsh edges and squares gave life to the movement.
In 1903, Cezanne moved back to his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, where he had commissioned a studio. He lived alone for the last three years of his life, having split from his wife again in 1902. That studio is now a monument in his honor.
Artwork by Paul Cezanne
Still Life with Soup Tureen
This painting is from 1884, and it illustrates how much Cezanne’s art had progressed through his life. The color scheme is bright and bold, and the style is post-impressionist. One might assume that the subjects were random items that Cezanne kept at his home, which at the time was owned by his mistress’s brother.
Portrait of Ambroise Vollard
Ambroise was a very famous French art dealer who worked with Cezanne. This portrait is of Ambroise Vollard is from 1899, during Cezanne’s final period. The original painting is oil on canvas, but this is a rare, limited edition black and white heliogravure that was actually published by Vollard. The lack of color adds a melancholy effect, especially given Vollard’s position and demeanor.
Untitled Piece
Here you get a better glimpse of Cezanne’s impressionism, as the artwork is a bit more chaotic and rushed. The figures kind of blend into the background, and the whole piece looks more like an initial sketch of a final piece. A part of Cezanne’s indelible creative process.
Untitled Portrait
Cezanne’s portraits typically capture the spirit of the subject rather than replicate a precise facsimile. Since this portrait is untitled, it’s unclear who it is, although it could be a self-portrait from the artist’s later years. This heliogravure is black and white, giving the piece a sense of timelessness and gravitas.
If you are looking for an artwork by Paul Cezanne, call us now on 267-687-8378 or leave an inquiry on Dane Fine Art. We are happy to help you find the artwork you are looking for.