Impressionism embraced by Paul Cézanne

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Cézanne: Impressionist Inspirations and Artistic Evolution

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Paul Cézanne, The Basket of Apples (1895)

Paul Cézanne, though heavily influenced by Impressionism, is not considered a true follower of the movement. He embraced some key aspects of Impressionism while forging his own unique path that would later influence the development of modern art. Here's a breakdown of Cézanne's relationship with Impressionism:

Impressionistic Techniques Cézanne Embraced:

• Focus on Light and Color: Similar to the Impressionists, Cézanne was fascinated by the effects of light and experimented with capturing its effects on objects. He used broken brushstrokes and vibrant colors to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
• Painting Outdoors: Cézanne, like the Impressionists, often painted outdoors (en plein air) to capture the nuances of natural light.

Impressionistic Techniques Cézanne Rejected:

• Emphasis on Fleeting Moments: Unlike Impressionists who focused on capturing fleeting moments and the overall impression of a scene, Cézanne aimed to depict a more solid and enduring structure beneath the surface appearance.
• Loose Brushstrokes and Softness: While using broken brushstrokes, Cézanne applied them with more structure and focus than the Impressionists, striving for a more stable composition.

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Why Cézanne is Considered the "Father of Modern Art":

Cézanne's artistic approach bridged the gap between Impressionism and the revolutionary movements of the 20th century. Here's how:

• Solid Forms and Geometric Underpinnings: Cézanne emphasized the underlying structure of objects, breaking them down into geometric shapes like spheres, cones, and cylinders. This approach influenced Cubism and abstract art.
• Subjectivity of Perception: While capturing the effects of light, Cézanne also incorporated his own perception and interpretation of the scene. This focus on the artist's perspective resonated with Expressionism and other subjective art movements.

In Conclusion:

Cézanne took inspiration from Impressionism's focus on light and color but rejected its fleeting nature and emphasis on loose brushstrokes. His pursuit of a more structured and enduring representation paved the way for modern art movements that explored form, subjectivity, and abstraction. This unique blend of influences makes him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern art, earning him the title "Father of Modern Art."