What Makes Paul Cezanne’s Paintings So Unique

Paul Cézanne

From prehistoric and ancient art through Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Expressionist, right up to present day, artists have been identified by an era, movement or particular style they practised. But there are some artists that are so unique they cannot be pigeonholed as one thing. Paul Cezanne is one such artist. 

Cezanne, a name synonymous with innovation and transformation in the world of art, was instrumental in the transition from traditional to modern painting. 

Born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cezanne's artistic journey was one marked by perseverance, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of nature. Renowned for his distinctive brushwork, use of color, and geometric forms, Cezanne played a pivotal role in shaping the course of art history. His painting style is unique and influential for several reasons, each contributing to his status as a revolutionary figure in the history of art:

Geometric Forms and Structure

Estaque, View Through The Tress

Cezanne's approach to painting departed from traditional methods of representation. He would break down his subjects into basic geometric shapes and planes, revealing and highlighting the underlying structure and form. This approach to composition can be seen in his landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, where objects are rendered in a series of interlocking planes rather than through the traditional use of perspective.

Distinctive Brushwork

Cezanne's brushwork is characterised by its deliberateness and precision. Instead of relying on smooth, blended transitions between colours and forms, he practised the technique of using short, distinct brushstrokes to build up his compositions. This technique, known as "constructive brushwork," allowed him to create a sense of volume and solidity while simultaneously emphasising the flatness of the picture plane.

Color Harmony and Theory

Cezanne's use of colour was both innovative and deeply informed by his understanding of colour theory, how colours work together to affect our emotions and perceptions. He often employed a limited palette of earth tones and muted hues, using subtle variations in tone and temperature to create harmony and depth within his compositions. His exploration of the interaction between complementary colours and the effects of light on form paved the way for future generations of artists.

The Card Players

Treatment of Space and Perspective

Unlike his Impressionist contemporaries, who sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, Cezanne was more interested in depicting the underlying structure and solidity of his subjects. He would flattened the pictorial space, compressing foreground and background elements onto the same plane. This approach to perspective challenged conventional notions of spatial representation and influenced later movements such as Cubism.

Emphasis on Form over Detail 

Another element that characterises Cezanne's paintings is their emphasis on form and structure over detail. He believed that art should strive to capture the essential qualities of a subject rather than simply replicating its appearance. As a result, his compositions often feature simplified, abstracted forms that convey a sense of monumentality and permanence.

Influence on Modernism

The Bathers

Perhaps most importantly, Cezanne's painting style laid the groundwork for the development of modernism in the early 20th century. Claude Monet described him as “The greatest of us all (modern artists). Pablo Picasso regarded Cezanne as “the mother hovering over (us), Henri Matisse as the “father to us all”. Picasso’s revolutionary idea of turning faces into masks was taken directly from Cezanne’s “Bathers” series. His innovative approach to composition, colour, and form inspired a generation of artists to explore new modes of expression and representation. Picasso and Georges Braque looked to Cezanne as a guiding influence in their development of Cubism, while later movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism also drew inspiration from his work.

Cezanne’s pioneering spirit and commitment to artistic experimentation continue to resonate with artists and audiences alike, cementing his status as one of the most important figures in the history of Western art.

In Series 2, Episode 8, Kennardley finds out more about the shy, moody, temperamental, asocial and sometimes rude Paul Cezanne. Click below to listen.

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