Paul Cezanne

Paul Cezanne (1839-1908) began his Parisian art studies in 1861 after refusing to study law as his father wished. However, he failed the entrance exam for the School of Fine Arts, and had to return home and work for his father, painting in his spare time, until he came back to Paris where he met and worked with Manet, Renoir, and Degas. Between 1864 and 1890, Cezanne lived in or near Paris, but diabetes forced his retirement to Aix. His paintings were little regarded until late in his life, but by the time of his death he had begun to sell works to both private and public collections. Cezanne is now recognised as one of the most influential post-impressionist masters.