Cezanne in Provence [Hardcover]

Philip Conisbee (Author), Denis Coutagne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 2006

Published on the centenary of the death of Paul Cézanne (1839–1906), this stunning book celebrates the artist’s depictions of his native Provence. While Cézanne is recognized as one of the fathers of the modern movement, this publication focuses on his own sense of achievement, especially as a painter exploring the landscape in and around his hometown of Aix-en- Provence. Although he spent time elsewhere in France, especially Paris, Cézanne repeatedly returned to Provence, where he lived nearly all of the last twenty years of his life.

In studios at the Jas de Bouffan and at Les Lauves, and on painting expeditions into the surrounding countryside, Cézanne created some of his most original and compelling works, not only landscapes but also portraits of  local characters, friends, and family; still lifes, and imaginative figure paintings, such as the monumental bathers painted in the last decade of his life.

Beautifully illustrated with some 160 paintings and watercolors, Cézanne in Provence offers fascinating insights into a true genius in the history of art and his beloved native countryside.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. So deep was the link between painter Paul Cézanne and Provence, National Gallery of Art curator Conisbee surmises, that the red pigment in Cézanne's paints came directly from the marne rouge, the region's red soil. In this volume, which accompanies an exhibition of the same name, Conisbee, Musée de Granet director Coutagne and others explore the painter's relationship with the region in exhaustive detail, offering insight into his methods and motivations. Cézanne eschewed scenes of the region's modernization for scenes of classical evocation and timelessness, and his choice to paint en pleine air was inspired not just by his mentor, the Impressionist Camille Pisarro, but also by an intense desire for isolation. "Isolation, that's what I deserve." he wrote. "At least that way, no one can get their hooks into me." His sojourns in the fishing village L'Estaque marked a turning point-as did his father's death, which freed the artist from the burdens of paternal disapproval. The plates and illustrations offer a remarkable overview of the various Provencal locales Cézanne repeatedly painted: Mount Saint-Victoire, L'Estaque, his father's home (the Jas de Bouffan) and additional sites in the region, allowing the reader to chart Cézanne's development of a technique that "makes it seem as though the paint itself is radiating light." A stellar record of the painter's life and work, this book is a must-have for art enthusiasts. 170 pages of color plates, 145 color and 30 black and white photographs.
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Review

"A stellar record of the painter's life and work, this book is a must-have for art enthusiasts."-Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly )

"[A] lavishly illustrated and gorgeously produced book . . . A visual treat richly enhanced by scholarly research."-Art Times (Art Times )

"Enthusiastically recommended for academic libraries; essential for art collections." (Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 350 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (February 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300113382
• ISBN-13: 978-0300113389
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Post-Impressionism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, March 1, 2006

By 

Dorothy A. Blatt "art lover" (cincinnati, ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cezanne in Provence (Hardcover)

This is one of the most beautifully done catalogues I have purchased recently. The color and clarity of the reproductions are excellent. The paper used has a dull mat finish which enhances the quality of the reproductions. If you love Cezanne's painting (which I do), then this is a must have addition to your library.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Journey, March 8, 2006

By 

Julia A. Bowen (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cezanne in Provence (Hardcover)

This book is a lovely accompaniment to the Cezanne in Provence exhibit. The narration is beautifully written and describes the beautiful landscapes that Cezanne painted. It provides an interesting chronology of Cezanne's life and works.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cezanne Show, NGA, 2006, August 6, 2007

By 

Shyla Huray - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cezanne in Provence (Paperback)

This book is the National Gallery of Art catalogue for the show "Cezanne in Provence." It is a very comprehensive treatment of the relationship between the artist and his early environment and it has many color reproductions of the artists works.