STILL LIFE WITH A CURTAIN (1895) - OIL ON CANVAS by PAUL CÉZANNE
STILL LIFE WITH A CURTAIN (1895)
OIL ON CANVAS by PAUL CÉZANNE
Paul Cézanne is considered to be one of the most influential artists of the post-impressionist movement, and his impact on the art world is still felt today. His innovative approach to painting, which focused on the representation of form and structure rather than just the surface appearance of objects, has inspired generations of artists to push the boundaries of traditional painting techniques.
Born in Aix-en-Provence, France in 1839, Cézanne was initially trained as a lawyer, but his passion for art led him to abandon his legal career and pursue painting full-time. He began studying with the French painter Gustave Courbet in 1861, and later with Camille Pissarro, who introduced him to the Impressionist movement. However, Cézanne was never fully embraced by the Impressionists, who found his work too structured and formal.
Cézanne’s approach to painting was heavily influenced by his interest in the geometry of form and his desire to capture the essence of his subjects. He believed that art should be a reflection of the artist’s inner vision, rather than a mere copy of reality. To achieve this, he developed a unique painting technique that involved breaking down complex forms into their basic geometric shapes and then rebuilding them on the canvas.
Paul Cézanne is considered to be one of the most influential artists of the post-impressionist movement, and his impact on the art world is still felt today. His innovative approach to painting, which focused on the representation of form and structure rather than just the surface appearance of objects, has inspired generations of artists to push the boundaries of traditional painting techniques.
Born in Aix-en-Provence, France in 1839, Cézanne was initially trained as a lawyer, but his passion for art led him to abandon his legal career and pursue painting full-time. He began studying with the French painter Gustave Courbet in 1861, and later with Camille Pissarro, who introduced him to the Impressionist movement. However, Cézanne was never fully embraced by the Impressionists, who found his work too structured and formal.
Cézanne’s approach to painting was heavily influenced by his interest in the geometry of form and his desire to capture the essence of his subjects. He believed that art should be a reflection of the artist’s inner vision, rather than a mere copy of reality. To achieve this, he developed a unique painting technique that involved breaking down complex forms into their basic geometric shapes and then rebuilding them on the canvas.
STUDY OF BATHERS (1898) by PAUL CÉZANNE
SELF PORTAIT by PAUL CÉZANNE
Cézanne’s paintings were characterized by their bold use of colour, strong composition, and attention to detail. He painted many landscapes and still life scenes, often featuring the countryside around his home in Aix-en-Provence. His works were not immediately appreciated by critics or the public, but his influence on other artists was profound.
The development of Cézanne’s work inspired the growth of the post-impressionist movement, which rejected the Impressionists’ emphasis on surface appearance and instead focused on the underlying structure of objects. Artists associated with this movement, such as Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, and Paul Gauguin, developed their own unique styles, but all were influenced by Cézanne’s use of geometric forms and his emphasis on structure and composition.
The impact of Cézanne’s work can also be seen in the development of modern art movements such as Cubism and Fauvism. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were particularly influenced by Cézanne’s approach to breaking down complex forms into basic geometric shapes, which they developed into their own unique styles.
Cézanne’s paintings were characterized by their bold use of colour, strong composition, and attention to detail. He painted many landscapes and still life scenes, often featuring the countryside around his home in Aix-en-Provence. His works were not immediately appreciated by critics or the public, but his influence on other artists was profound.
The development of Cézanne’s work inspired the growth of the post-impressionist movement, which rejected the Impressionists’ emphasis on surface appearance and instead focused on the underlying structure of objects. Artists associated with this movement, such as Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, and Paul Gauguin, developed their own unique styles, but all were influenced by Cézanne’s use of geometric forms and his emphasis on structure and composition.
The impact of Cézanne’s work can also be seen in the development of modern art movements such as Cubism and Fauvism. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were particularly influenced by Cézanne’s approach to breaking down complex forms into basic geometric shapes, which they developed into their own unique styles.
THE CARD PLAYERS (1896) - OIL ON CANVAS by PAUL CÉZANNE
THE CARD PLAYERS (1896) - OIL ON CANVAS by PAUL CÉZANNE
In addition to his influence on painting techniques, Cézanne’s focus on the inner vision of the artist also had a profound impact on the development of modern art. His emphasis on individual expression and the importance of the artist’s own perception of the world paved the way for later movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual Art.
Today, Cézanne’s works are considered some of the most important in the history of art. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as David Hockney, who has been inspired by Cézanne’s use of multiple viewpoints and his interest in the structure of the visual world.
Paul Cézanne’s impact on the art world is undeniable. His innovative approach to painting, which emphasized structure and form over surface appearance, inspired the development of the post-impressionist movement and paved the way for the development of modern art.
Starting on the 25th March 2023, and running until August 13th, The National Galley in London will be holding an exhibition focusing on the Post-Impressionist movement including works by Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh. With over a hundred works by artists from Klimt, Matisse and Picasso to Mondrian and Kandinsky together with sculptures by Rodin, the exhibition takes in Expressionism, Cubism and Abstraction.
Fox & Chave have collaborated with curators at the National Gallery to produce a silk scarf inspired by one of Cézanne's many studies of bathers. It will be available to buy from the gallery gift shop for the duration of the exhibition or while stocks last, so hurry along!
In addition to his influence on painting techniques, Cézanne’s focus on the inner vision of the artist also had a profound impact on the development of modern art. His emphasis on individual expression and the importance of the artist’s own perception of the world paved the way for later movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual Art.
Today, Cézanne’s works are considered some of the most important in the history of art. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as David Hockney, who has been inspired by Cézanne’s use of multiple viewpoints and his interest in the structure of the visual world.
Paul Cézanne’s impact on the art world is undeniable. His innovative approach to painting, which emphasized structure and form over surface appearance, inspired the development of the post-impressionist movement and paved the way for the development of modern art.
Starting on the 25th March 2023, and running until August 13th, The National Galley in London will be holding an exhibition focusing on the Post-Impressionist movement including works by Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh.
With over a hundred works by artists from Klimt, Matisse and Picasso to Mondrian and Kandinsky together with sculptures by Rodin, the exhibition takes in Expressionism, Cubism and Abstraction.
Fox & Chave have collaborated with curators at the National Gallery to produce a silk scarf inspired by one of Cézanne's many studies of bathers. It will be available to buy from the gallery gift shop for the duration of the exhibition or while stocks last, so hurry along!
