Description

The incomparable play of light and color in Paul CezanneÆs work was the foundation of his reputation as a forerunner of modernism. From the start he went his own way, and his paintings initially evoked a lack of understanding in art critics of the time, as well as ridicule. Despite his romantic, baroque, impressionist, and finally classical influences, it is still difficult to ascribe Cezanne to any particular art movement. Still, which specific places left lasting impressions on the scion of a provincial bankerÆs family? What and who were major influences supporting and advancing his innovative oeuvre?

James H. Rubin traces CezanneÆs life and work from A to Z in this brief volume, creating an image of a painter who wanted to transform painting itself. The authorùand established connoisseurùsucceeds in closely approaching the artist while at the same time maintaining the necessary distance to his inimitable paintings.