Paul Cézanne was born on the 19th of January 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France. He studied law at university before leaving to pursue his artistic career. Cézanne moved to Paris aged 22, where he befriended the Impressionist painter, Camille Pissarro, who was to be a great influence on the young man. He had his first exhibition in 1863 and he exhibited his works twice along with those of other Impressionists, but he did not have his first solo exhibition until 1895, well into his career. Cézanne's art was not well received in all quarters. In 1903 French newspaper... Show more

Paul Cézanne was born on the 19th of January 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France. He studied law at university before leaving to pursue his artistic career. Cézanne moved to Paris aged 22, where he befriended the Impressionist painter, Camille Pissarro, who was to be a great influence on the young man.

He had his first exhibition in 1863 and he exhibited his works twice along with those of other Impressionists, but he did not have his first solo exhibition until 1895, well into his career.

Cézanne's art was not well received in all quarters. In 1903 French newspaper L'Intransigeant published an article entitled Love for the Ugly in which viewers were said to have laughed at Cézanne's works.

Cézanne was still working at the age of 67 when he was caught outside in a torrent of rain. He continued to paint for two hours during the storm, before collapsing whilst making his way home. He died of pneumonia just a few days later on the 22nd of October 1906.

Cézanne was a pioneer in the art world and his paintings were a major influence on the modern artists who came after him, such as Matisse and Picasso. 20th century art may not have been the same without him.

Show less

Impressionist Painters: Paul Cezanne

Time left 00:00

10 Questions

1. There are three other versions of this painting, which is also known as The Boy in the Red Waistcoat . What is its alternative name?

The Boy at SchoolDay Dreaming BoyThe Boy in the Red VestWistful Boy

2. Unfinished at the time of Cézanne's death, this piece is considered to be one of the masterpieces of early modern art. What is it called?

The WomenThe BathersThe NymphsThe Picnic

3. The model in this portrait had what relationship with Cézanne?

She was his nieceShe was his wifeShe was his sisterShe was his mother

4. This piece, Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier was sold in 1999 for $60,502,500 (over £35 million) making it unique in what way?

It is the most expensive painting ever sold at an auctionIt is the most expensive French painting ever sold at an auctionIt is the most expensive still life ever sold at an auctionIt is the most expensive Cézanne ever sold at an auction

5. Painted around 1895, this is a portrait of which French journalist, historian, novelist and art critic?

Gustave GeffroyJules VerneAlexandre DumasVictor Hugo

6. This is one of a series of five paintings created between 1890 and 1895 entitled The Card Players. In 2011 this particular piece became the most expensive work of art ever sold when it was bought by the Royal Family of Qatar for what estimated price?

Between $250 million and $300 millionBetween $150 million and $200 millionBetween $300 million and $350 millionBetween $200 million and $250 million

7. This is a painting of which mountain in Provence which Cézanne painted several times?

Le TaborMont ChabertonVignemaleMontagne Sainte-Victoire

8. Painted circa 1894, this still life, Le panier de pommes, has what title in English?

The Cloth with ApplesThe Table with ApplesThe Bowl of ApplesThe Basket of Apples

9. This is a painting of which mountain in Provence which Cézanne painted several times?

Mont ChabertonMontagne Sainte-VictoireVignemaleLe Tabor

10. This is one of a series of five paintings created between 1890 and 1895 entitled The Card Players. In 2011 this particular piece became the most expensive work of art ever sold when it was bought by the Royal Family of Qatar for what estimated price?

Between $200 million and $250 millionBetween $150 million and $200 millionBetween $250 million and $300 millionBetween $300 million and $350 million