Paul Cézanne, a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to 20th-century Cubism, was deeply influenced by and had a profound impact on his artist friend circle. Born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cézanne’s innovative approach to form and color reshaped the trajectory of modern art. His friendships with other artists were instrumental in his development and the broader art movement of his time.
Cézanne’s early artistic journey was marked by his association with the Parisian avant-garde. His closest friend and lifelong confidant was Émile Zola, a novelist and journalist who played a crucial role in introducing Cézanne to the artistic milieu of Paris. Zola’s encouragement and support were invaluable during Cézanne’s formative years. Though their friendship eventually waned due to Zola’s depiction of an unsuccessful artist in his novel “L’Œuvre,” which Cézanne interpreted as a critique, the bond they shared significantly influenced Cézanne’s early career.
In Paris, Cézanne became associated with the Impressionists, a group that included Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. Although Cézanne’s style was distinct from theirs, emphasizing structure and form over the fleeting effects of light, his interactions with these artists were crucial. Camille Pissarro, in particular, became a mentor and close friend. Pissarro’s guidance and encouragement helped Cézanne refine his technique and approach to painting outdoors, a practice known as “plein air” painting. This period saw Cézanne experimenting with the Impressionist palette and brushwork, yet always infusing his works with his unique perspective on color and composition.
The mutual influence between Cézanne and Pissarro was profound. While Cézanne adopted some of Pissarro’s techniques, Pissarro, in turn, appreciated Cézanne’s approach to capturing the essence of the landscape. Their collaboration is evident in the works they produced during their time in Pontoise and Auvers-sur-Oise. Cézanne’s friendship with the Impressionists, although marked by periods of estrangement, was a significant chapter in his artistic evolution.
Paul Cézanne’s friendships extended beyond the Impressionists. His connection with the Post-Impressionists was equally significant. He shared a mutual respect with Vincent van Gogh, though they never met in person. Van Gogh admired Cézanne’s work and wrote about him in his letters, recognizing the depth and structure in his paintings. Paul Gauguin, another Post-Impressionist, also held Cézanne in high esteem. Gauguin’s bold use of color and innovative compositions were influenced by Cézanne’s groundbreaking techniques.
In the latter part of his life, Cézanne’s work gained recognition among younger artists who would become the forerunners of modern art. Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, among others, considered Cézanne a master. Picasso famously referred to Cézanne as “the father of us all,” acknowledging the profound impact Cézanne’s work had on the development of Cubism. The simplification of natural forms into geometric shapes and the exploration of multiple perspectives in Cézanne’s work directly influenced Picasso’s and Georges Braque’s experiments in Cubism.
