Paul Cézanne
- Born:
- January 19, 1839, Aix-en-Provence, France
- Died:
- October 22, 1906, Aix-en-Provence, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy family; his father was a successful banker.
- Initially intended to study law, attending law school in Aix-en-Provence.
- Developed a strong interest in art, leading him to abandon legal studies.
- Studied at the Académie Suisse in Paris, where he met Camille Pissarro.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early works were characterized by dark colors and heavy impasto, reflecting Romantic and Baroque influences.
- Developed a close working relationship with Camille Pissarro, who influenced his transition to Impressionism.
- Exhibited with the Impressionists in the first (1874) and third (1877) Impressionist exhibitions, receiving mixed reviews.
- Gradually developed his own unique style, characterized by simplified forms, geometric structures, and multiple perspectives.
- Focused on still lifes, portraits, and landscapes, often depicting the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
Notable Works
- The Basket of Apples (c. 1893)
- The Card Players (c. 1890-1895)
- Mont Sainte-Victoire series
- Still Life with Apples and Oranges (c. 1895-1900)
- The Bather (c. 1885)
Legacy and Impact
Paul Cézanne's work bridged the gap between Impressionism and Cubism, laying the foundation for many 20th-century artistic movements. His emphasis on structure, form, and the use of color to create spatial relationships had a profound influence on artists such as Picasso and Braque. Consulting a resource such as a 'wiki art cezanne biography' is an efficient way to gain a better understanding of the artist's life and contributions. He is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the Post-Impressionist period.