Paul Cézanne was a French artist and post-impressionist painter whose work laid the foundations for the transition from the 19th century conception of the artistic process to a new mode of artistic expression in the 20th century. Cézanne's exploratory and often repetitive brushstrokes are very characteristic and clearly recognisable. He used planes of colour and small brushstrokes that accumulate to form complex fields. The paintings convey Cézanne's unique version of reality, which has been considered the foundation of the transition from Impressionism to Cubism.

Cézanne was born on 19 January 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France. He was the first of five children of Louis-Auguste Cézanne, a successful banker, and Anne-Elisabeth Honorine Joubert. His father expected Paul to take over the family bank, but he showed little interest in the prospect. From an early age, Paul showed a passion for art, often drawing scenes from his daily life.

Cézanne began his formal art training at the age of sixteen, when his father enrolled him at the École des Beaux-Arts in Aix-en-Provence. His education was interrupted, however, by the death of his father in 1857. Cézanne returned home to support his family and took a job as a bank clerk. In 1861, he moved to Paris to pursue his artistic career. There he met the painter Camille Pissarro, who became his lifelong friend and mentor, and even his inspiration.

What are Paul Cézanne's most famous works?

Paul Cézanne's most famous works include The Bathers, The Card Players and The Sainte-Victoire mountain. These paintings are considered to be among the most important in the history of art. Cézanne's unique style had a great influence on the following artists: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Georges Braque. Paul Cézanne died on 22 October 1906 in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Where are the works of Paul Cézanne displayed?

Paul Cézanne's works are on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France, and at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., USA.