It’s so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas.
Paul Cézanne
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
The Card Players is a renowned series of oil paintings created by the influential French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. These remarkable works were produced during Cézanne’s culminating period in the early 1890s, encompassing five distinctive paintings. Each version exhibits variances in size, the quantity of players depicted, and the specific environment where the card game is situated. In addition to these paintings, Cézanne meticulously executed a multitude of drawings and studies as a prelude to The Card Players series.
I could paint for a hundred years, a thousand years without stopping and I would still feel as though I knew nothing.
Paul Cézanne
%2C_60_x_73_cm%2C_oil_on_canvas%2C_Courtauld_Institute_of_Art%2C_London.jpg)
The Significance of The Card Players Series
The series is considered by critics to be a cornerstone of Cézanne’s art during the early-to-mid 1890s period, as well as a “prelude” to his final years, when he painted some of his most acclaimed work. This remarkable series showcases Cézanne’s mastery in capturing the nuances of human interaction and the atmospheric essence of the card game setting.
Paul Cézanne: Pioneer of Modern Art
Paul Cézanne, born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, France, was a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to 20th-century Cubism. Despite facing initial rejection and criticism, Cézanne’s persistent exploration of form, composition, and colour laid the foundation for modern art.
His early works were influenced by the Impressionist movement, especially after meeting Camille Pissarro and developing a close relationship with him. However, Cézanne’s style evolved, leading him to depart from pure Impressionism and pursue a more structured approach to painting.
Cézanne’s innovative use of geometric forms and distinctive brushwork set the stage for the emergence of Cubism and Fauvism. His exploration of still life, landscapes, and the renowned Mont Sainte-Victoire demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of light and perspective. His innovative approach to form, composition, and colour left an indelible mark on the development of various art movements and styles, influencing prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, and Diego Rivera.
Paul Cézanne passed away on October 22, 1906, in Aix-en-Provence, leaving behind a transformative body of work that continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution.
Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne’s sentiments about his artistic achievements were complex. Despite his dedication and relentless pursuit of perfecting his craft, he often expressed feelings of inadequacy and a sense of unattained ambitions. In one notable quote, he stated, “I could paint for a hundred years, a thousand years without stopping and I would still feel as though I knew nothing.”
This declaration illustrates Cézanne’s belief that artistic mastery was an unattainable goal, regardless of the duration of his creative endeavors. His quote, “My age and health will never allow me to realize the dream of art I’ve been pursuing all my life,” further reflects his inner conflict and the persistent pursuit of an unattainable artistic ideal. These expressions reveal Cézanne’s deep introspection and the perpetual internal struggle to achieve artistic perfection.
Paul Cézanne’s profound impact on 20th-century art was acknowledged posthumously, securing his legacy as one of the most influential artists in the history of modern art.
My age and health will never allow me to realize the dream of art I’ve been pursuing all my life.
Paul Cézanne
ChasingART 
#/media/File:Paul_C%C3%A9zanne_-_Montagne_Saint-victoire_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg){kind=link}
I love Cézanne’s style and technique.
He was influenced by Impressionism. His style influenced art movements beyond his life.
In this regard, contemporary art is a moving target with no bull’s eye.
“I could paint for a hundred years, a thousand years without stopping and I would still feel as though I knew nothing.”
I’ve looked at thousands of images of hundreds of years of paintings, and I still only know if it pleases me or not.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Rebecca!
(ps…the art gallery is opened again!!!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Cezanne, Resa. Your insights on modern art resonated. I don’t want to be like the ones who turned up their noses when they viewed Cezanne, Monet or Van Gogh’s paintings for the first time.
I agree – the evolution of modern art remains a puzzle, even in today’s world. It’s like trying to decode a cryptic message. I am learning that I need to look beyond the surface to grasp the true essence of contemporary art. For me, it is a learning process, and I’m only in the baby steps of exploration. I understand that art is a reflection of society, so to understand it, I have to be alive to what is happening around me.
P.S. I am thrilled that the art gallery is open again!! YAY!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise words Rebecca, about not poo-pooing what one knows not of.
A friend who is an artist treated me to a trip to MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art).
Honestly, I didn’t get some of it, even when I liked it.
She said at one point – “it’s the intent”!
I did take pics and will soon(ish) make a post.
I can hardly wait to go the AGO. Just waiting for the art starved masses to catch up. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am looking forward to that post Resa!!! A very good word – “intent”! I will take that with me to think about this coming week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool… time to do some photo selections!
LikeLiked by 1 person
PS, exciting news. I am going to Oslo and Amsterdam in May.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Robbie – I know that you are heading to Oslo in May! Be sure to post photos! Looking forward to tagging along.
LikeLike
Fantastic paintings, Rebecca. My Michael did a replica of The Scream by Munch. It came out so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael is a remarkable artists, Robbie. Your encouragement and support has provided a solid foundation for his creative endeavours! You are a fabulous mother!!!
LikeLike
Thank you for another fascinating art history lesson, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am delighted that you stopped by, Liz. Paul Cezanne was highly influential for the next generation of artists due to his innovative approach to painting. His use of geometric shapes and bold colors paved the way for the development of Cubism and Fauvism. Henri Matisse once said “Cezanne, you see, is a sort of God of painting. I read that, despite facing criticism and rejection during his lifetime, Cezanne remained dedicated to his artistic vision, constantly experimenting with colour, form, and perspective to convey his interpretation of the world around him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad he stayed true to his own artistic vision. It’s hard to do in the face of criticism and rejection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great in-depth look at Cezanne, Rebecca! Truly a consequential painter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so pleased that you enjoyed this post, Dave. I want to continue researching Paul Cezanne’s paintings. In 1907, Paul Cezanne’s retrospective exhibition showcased his groundbreaking works one year after he passed. I have read that upcoming artists were greatly influenced by this exhibition, which showcased his innovative approach to colour, form, and composition. His use of geometric shapes and bold colors influenced Picasso and Matisse. Cezanne’s emphasis on structure and simplification of forms paved the way for Cubism and Fauvism movements. His dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects rather than realistic details inspired a new way of seeing and interpreting art.
LikeLiked by 1 person