Cézanne by Himself: Drawings, Paintings, Writings

by Richard Kendall (Editor), Paul Cézanne

This volume on the life and work of Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) brings together for the first time a diverse and revealing selection of material, drawn from 800 paintings and 2,000 drawings and watercolors, and also from his correspondence and the memoirs of his friends. Despite being one of the most influential nineteenth-century artists, Cézanne was far from being a conventional hero, and was ill at ease in the cafes and salons of the Paris art world. His work shows a classical concern with form and structure which sets it apart from the Impressionist mainstream, and led a subsequent generation of art historians to dub him the first "Post-Impressionist". This book provides fascinating evidence of the artist's friendships and family life and through his own writings and the reminiscences of his contemporaries shows the paradoxes and contradictions of his personality.

Illustrated with superb color reproductions — landscapes, still lifes, portraits, nudes and studies form the Old Masters — Cézanne by Himself offers a rich treasury of material which gives us a new understanding of this great and truly innovative artist.

Richard Kendall is a professional art historian, teacher and painter specializing in nineteenth-century French painting. Other publications include Degas 1834-1984, marking the artist's 150th anniversary, The Impressionist Revolution (contributor), Monet by Himself and Degas by Himself.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Art History, Memoir, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Amey]

In the words of Cézanne himself,
"Whoever lacks a taste for the absolute (that is, perfection) contents himself with placid mediocrity."

"Art is an adaptation of things to our needs and tastes."

[Jakeyfatdog]

Fascinating to read about Cezannes life in his letters, and of course gorgeous paintings to look at.