Exploring the Legacy of Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence
Paul Cézanne’s influence permeates every corner of Aix-en-Provence, with streets, a school, a cinema, and even a unique sandwich inspired by him (a twist on the classic pan bagnat, featuring goat cheese rather of tuna). Starting from late June, the city will celebrate Cézanne as his studio and family residence—both recently restored after eight years—reopen to the public.
Interestingly, during Cézanne’s lifetime and for many years following his passing in 1906, Aix seemed reluctant to embrace its most famous artist. When his widow Hortense proposed donating several works to the city’s primary art museum, Musée Granet, director Henri Pontier famously rejected her offer with an emphatic statement that Cezanne’s paintings would only be accepted posthumously.
A Major Retrospective at Musée Granet
This year marks a important shift in this narrative. With Pontier long gone (he passed nearly a century ago), Aix is finally acknowledging its artistic heritage through an extensive exhibition at Musée Granet. This event coincides with the reopening of Cézanne’s studio and family estate purchased by his relatives in 1859.The retrospective will showcase over 130 pieces encompassing still lifes, portraits, and landscapes.
The artworks were primarily created at Bastide du Jas de Bouffan—a sanctuary for Cézanne over four decades. His father acquired this elegant 18th-century mansion along with its farmland from a financially troubled client. Even though disappointed that Paul showed little interest in banking like him, he allowed young Paul to transform part of their home into an artistic workspace.
A Glimpse Inside Cezanne’s World
by 2017, however, this historic house had fallen into disrepair and was closed for renovations until now.Its grand reopening is set for June 28th; we were fortunate enough to get an early look inside. Located about twenty minutes from downtown Aix (or just minutes via bus no. 8), it boasts three tranquil stories nestled within five hectares of lush gardens adorned with shutters painted in Aix’s signature gray-blue hue.
Inside the grand salon are projections recreating some early works that young Cézanne painted directly onto its walls—including a fresco depicting “the four seasons.” It was here that he created parts of his renowned card players series—one piece famously sold for record-breaking sums—and crafted an intimate portrait of his father reading a newspaper back in 1866.
The family later constructed an artist’s studio on the second floor; its tall window can be seen prominently from outside while visitors can also explore Madame Cezanne’s bedroom and kitchen area during their visit.
Visiting Details & Outdoor Inspirations
Daily guided tours, available in English starting at €9.50 per person are offered inside; if these sell out quickly though you can still enjoy access to the grounds alone which are equally rewarding as many fans appreciate Cezanne’s outdoor masterpieces brought vividly alive amidst expansive gardens featuring chestnut avenues he once painted alongside farm buildings—and notably—the square bassin(pond) depicted across numerous canvases where lion statues stand proudly among other features added later by subsequent owners.
Cézannes’ journey continued after his father’s death when he built another atelier located northward near Les Lauves—a then-rural area offering breathtaking views towards Mont Sainte-Victoire which served as both muse & backdrop throughout much work produced thereafter including iconic pieces like Bathers series found today within London’s National Gallery collection!
Cézannes’ Artistic Journey Beyond Aix
If there were mixed feelings between Aixoise residents regarding their celebrated son during earlier times—it seems those sentiments may have been reciprocated too! Out Of more than one thousand paintings left behind only one depicts any aspect related directly back towards city itself—a watercolor capturing fountain situated within Place de la mairie while hundreds more focused instead upon surrounding countryside including over eighty dedicated solely towards majestic Mont Sainte-Victoire itself thus leading us best way discover true essence lies beyond urban confines!
The Scenic Bibémus Quarry Experience
Between town center & mountain lies Bibémus quarry;, source material used as Roman era constructing buildings throughout region! Bus ride there feels akin traversing through living canvas filled vibrant colors echoing nature all around us protected areas abound offering daily tickets obtainable via tourist office inclusive shuttle service terminating Les Trois Bons Dieux stop nearby allowing exploration without hassle whatsoever! What words cannot convey though are sounds birds chirping under southern sun accompanied fragrant scents wafting pine trees blooming broom flowers alike filling air around us creating unforgettable experience altogether!
Cézannewas known create twenty-seven stunning artworks here developing pre-cubist style utilizing palette rich blues greens ochres seen throughout many compositions displayed various locations worldwide today such reproductions showcased quarry revealing vantage points artists captured them along current homes ranging New York San Francisco Philadelphia Baltimore etc…
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< figcaption >Cézanneworkshop narrowly avoided demolition thanks efforts preservationists back19502s !Photograph:SophieSpitéri
This year marks significant recognition not just locally but internationally too especially considering how US collectors played pivotal role spreading awareness preserving legacy surrounding artist himself ; Atelier would’ve faced destruction had group American patrons not intervened saving it back19552s ! Additionally George Bunker ,another American artist acquired Bibémus quarry leaving it open public access ensuring future generations could appreciate beauty found therein forevermore .
An elderly Canadian sculptor named David Campbell has lived nearby since then befriending Bunker sharing stories about artistry life experiences while showcasing own fluid limestone creations reflecting medieval masonry techniques learned over time spent working together closely!
Cézanneworks continue inspire visitors today
Visitors interested exploring further may book evening visits enjoying sunset views atop mont saint victoire (€17pp ) or partake half-day electric bike tours departing AIX (€90pp includes rental fees ). Though caution advised due unpredictable weather conditions affecting accessibility due potential wildfire risks arising mistral winds blowing through region frequently.
A Closer Look At Gardenne
One town chosen paint extensively happens be Gardenne located approximately seven miles away accessible train ride taking less than ten minutes travel time . Here tourism centered around informal experiences rather than structured events ; plaques marking historical importance dot main street highlighting places where lived wife son productive period spanning eighteen eighty-five-six .
Nearby Colline des Frères serves open-air studio providing free walking routes displaying reproductions favorite mountain scenes featuring bell tower foregrounded against backdrop power station cooling towers detracting slightly modern landscape yet still captivating nonetheless ! Most notable fact remains majority these masterpieces now reside United States including one even gracing White House walls themselves!
Local tourist office offers guided excursions priced reasonably €10 conducted Fridays July August months ensuring everyone gets chance learn more about local history culture surrounding great painter himself !
While accommodations scarce within village self-catering options available allowing guests maximize enjoyment bustling street market held beneath towering plane trees every Wednesday Friday Sunday mornings alike!
I’m thrilled discover square blobs appearing right side two separate gardenne paintings represent windmills standing proud till date we climb northward discovering three mills intact complete sails dated sixteen fifty-seven above doorways set gorgeous rolling hills glowing warm hues reminiscent those captured brushstrokes long ago.
Even though focus remains firmly placed upon celebrating cézanthis year closer encounters await off beaten paths leading deeper understanding artistry legacy left behind!