Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne was born in France in 1839. He wanted to be a painter when he was young. At first, his art was not very popular. He kept practicing his own way of painting. Later, people saw he was a genius, and he changed art forever.

His Painting Style

Cézanne loved to paint fruit, mountains, and people. He used short brush strokes and bright colors. He cared more about shapes and lines than about making things look perfect. He often painted the same mountain in France over and over. His style was new and different.

A Father of Modern Art

Other artists looked at Cézanne's work and felt inspired. Painters like Picasso called him 'the father of us all.' His ideas helped start cubism and modern art. Cézanne did not see his big fame while he lived. Today, his paintings sell for millions of dollars.

Fun Facts

• He painted the same mountain, Mont Sainte-Victoire, over 60 times.
• He loved to paint apples and other fruit on tables.
• Famous artists like Picasso and Matisse said he inspired them.

Did You Know?

Cézanne once said he wanted to 'astonish Paris with an apple' — and he did!