Cézanne

Paul Cézanne, a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to the 20th century’s early Cubism, was born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France. His work lays the groundwork for the disruptive changes in painting that emerged in the early 1900s. Known for his distinctive brushstrokes and use of color, Cézanne’s techniques challenged conventional values of painting in his time, influencing the artistic trajectory of many who followed. Cézanne’s exploration of geometric simplification and optical phenomena inspired artists like Picasso and Matisse. He was not prolific in public or social spheres, often working in isolation, which deeply infused his works with personal expression and introspection.