Cezanne: The father of modern art from Udemy

In 1861, a shy young man from Aix-en-Provence made his way to Paris, in order to learn how to become a painter. He visited the Louvre, and admired the Old Masters – their technique, structure, and timelessness. He also discovered a group of discontented artists working in the city, who were grappling with the role of the artist in a modern world - striving to see nature fresh and clear, free from the straitjacket of academic tradition.

The young man was Paul Cezanne. He never forgot the Old Masters in the museum, and for a while, he worked and exhibited with the young radicals, who were soon to be known as the Impressionists.

Then he went home, scarcely leaving Provence for the rest of his life. As far as the Paris art world was concerned, he had ceased to exist. But he had not ceased to work. Alone in the deep south, he found out what it meant to be an artist, and in so doing, created paintings that would amaze the world. Shortly before his death, a new generation of painters began to discover his work and to call him Master. Picasso and Matisse both hailed him as the Father of Modern Art. This course will allow you to understand why.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Via discussion of key examples, students will have an understanding of cezanne’s art – including but also beyond “the famous ones”!
Students will develop an appreciation of cezanne’s art in its historical and artistic contexts

Students will learn about cezanne’s life, influences, and artistic legacy
This course seeks to develop students’ confidence in approaching art in general

Via discussion of key examples, students will have an understanding of cezanne’s art – including but also beyond “the famous ones”!
Students will develop an appreciation of cezanne’s art in its historical and artistic contexts
Students will learn about cezanne’s life, influences, and artistic legacy
This course seeks to develop students’ confidence in approaching art in general

Syllabus

Welcome

Welcome to the course

Students will have developed an appreciation of Cezanne’s early art in its historical and artistic contexts

Introduction: “Just” an Impressionist?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Cezanne's artistic journey, from his early influences to his pivotal role as a precursor to modern art movements like Cubism and Fauvism

Examines Cezanne's techniques and approaches to color, which laid the groundwork for future generations of artists to experiment with form and perception

Details Cezanne's relationships with the Impressionists and his eventual departure from the movement to forge his own unique artistic path in isolation

Requires learners to engage with art in general, which may be challenging for those who prefer to passively observe and consume art

Focuses on Cezanne's life in Provence, which may not appeal to learners interested in the broader context of the Parisian art world

Highlights Cezanne's influence on Picasso and Matisse, which is useful for learners interested in understanding the lineage of modern art

Reviews summary

Insightful guide to cezanne's art

According to learners, this course offers an insightful and engaging journey into the life and work of Paul Cezanne. Many highlight the instructor's infectious passion and clear explanations as a major strength, making the material come alive. Students appreciate the well-structured lectures and high-quality visual examples that help deepen understanding. While considered a great introduction for beginners, some reviewers note that the course might feel a bit basic or slow-paced for those already familiar with art history, suggesting a wish for deeper dives into technical aspects. Overall, it's seen as a highly recommended course for understanding Cezanne's significance as the father of modern art.

Excellent visual examples enhance the learning experience.

"The examples chosen were perfect."

"The visual examples are high quality."

"the carefully selected images... it's all top-notch."

Offers a solid introduction suitable for newcomers.

"The pace was just right for me as a beginner. Great introduction."

"Good foundation course... Recommend for newcomers."

"Provides a solid overview of Cezanne's progression."

Lectures are well-structured, clear, and engaging.

"Very informative and well-structured. The lectures are clear and easy to follow."

"Really enjoyed this course... The lectures were engaging."

"A masterclass! The lectures are incredibly engaging and the insights are profound."

Lecturer's passion and clarity are highly praised.

"The instructor's passion for Cezanne is infectious, and the way he explains the art and its context is truly engaging."

"Wonderful course! The lecturer is excellent - knowledgeable, articulate, and enthusiastic."

"The lecturer is a superb storyteller and makes the material come alive."

"Simply wonderful. The instructor's passion, the depth of analysis... it's all top-notch."

May lack depth for experienced art history students.

"Decent overview, but a bit basic if you already know a fair bit about art history."

"Expected more depth."

"Sometimes wished for slightly deeper dives into specific techniques..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cezanne: The father of modern art with these activities:

Cézanne: A Life

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Gain a deeper understanding of Cézanne's life and artistic development by reading a comprehensive biography.

View Magritte: A Life on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Cézanne: A Life'.
Read the book, taking notes on key events and influences.
Reflect on how Cézanne's life shaped his art.

Review Impressionism

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Refresh your knowledge of Impressionism to better understand Cézanne's initial involvement and eventual departure from the movement.

Browse courses on Impressionism

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Review key characteristics of Impressionism.
Identify major Impressionist artists and their works.
Understand the historical context of Impressionism.

Create a Timeline of Cézanne's Life

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Solidify your understanding of Cézanne's life and career by creating a visual timeline of key events.

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Research key dates and events in Cézanne's life.
Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
Include significant artworks and biographical details.

Four other activities

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Discuss Cézanne's Techniques

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Deepen your understanding of Cézanne's unique painting techniques through peer discussion and analysis.

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Organize a peer session with fellow students.
Select several of Cézanne's paintings for discussion.
Analyze his use of color, brushstrokes, and composition.
Share insights and interpretations with your peers.

Conversations with Cézanne

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Gain insights into Cézanne's personality and artistic philosophy through firsthand accounts from his contemporaries.

View Art and Artists of Twentieth-Century China on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Conversations with Cézanne'.
Read the book, paying attention to different perspectives.
Reflect on how these accounts shape your understanding.

Write an Essay on Cézanne's Influence

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Explore Cézanne's lasting impact on modern art by writing an essay analyzing his influence on subsequent artists.

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Research Cézanne's influence on later artists.
Identify specific artists who were inspired by Cézanne.
Analyze how Cézanne's techniques and ideas were adopted and adapted.
Write a well-structured essay with supporting evidence.

Recreate a Cézanne Still Life

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Deepen your understanding of Cézanne's techniques by attempting to recreate one of his still life paintings.

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Select a Cézanne still life painting.
Gather the necessary materials (paints, canvas, etc.).
Study Cézanne's brushstrokes and color palette.
Attempt to recreate the painting, focusing on his techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Cezanne: The father of modern art will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Art historian

An art historian researches and analyzes art within its cultural and historical context, much like this course explores Cezanne's life and work. A deep understanding of artistic movements and individual artists is needed, such as how Cezanne moved from the influence of Old Masters to Impressionism, and then carved his own path. This course helps build a foundation in understanding those influences that shaped an artist's work, and what makes them significant. This course also provides the basis for discussions around the significance of art movements. An art historian would find the analysis of Cezanne's progression, his influences, and his legacy particularly enlightening.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Museum curator

A museum curator is responsible for the care and display of artwork, and this course provides relevant information for the role. A curator needs to understand the significance of an artist's work within its historical and artistic context, similar to how this course examines Cezanne. This course may help a future curator develop an appreciation for an artist's entire career by analyzing the different periods of his work. Furthermore, the course explores how dealers and critics played a role in shaping Cezanne's legacy. A museum curator who takes this course may gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret and present Cezanne’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Art Critic

An art critic analyzes and evaluates art, often writing reviews or essays. Individuals in this role must possess deep knowledge of art history and artistic movements, including an understanding of how an artist’s work fits into the broader context. This course helps build an appreciation for Cezanne's work within its historical and artistic frameworks. It introduces Cezanne's exploration of techniques, and his search for ways to see nature in a fresh way. An art critic who takes this course may gain a deeper understanding of how to evaluate artistic merit and influence. This course also covers the role of dealers and critics in shaping artistic reputations.

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Art Appraiser

An art appraiser assesses the monetary value of artwork, requiring a comprehensive understanding of art history and the artists’ influence. This course examines the significance of Cezanne's work within the art world, including how he was received by critics and dealers. The course helps establish an understanding of an artist’s style and progression throughout their career. This course may help in understanding the artistic significance of Cezanne's work, which directly impacts its financial value. An art appraiser who takes this course will be able to better factor historical and artistic context into their valuation.

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Art Educator

An art educator teaches art history, techniques, and appreciation, often in a classroom setting. This course offers a structured exploration of Cezanne's life, work, and legacy, which can guide an art educator. The course may help an art educator develop a deep appreciation for Cezanne's artistic journey by analyzing his evolution through the different periods of his art, from early work, to Impressionism influences, and finally to his mature style. An art educator may use this course to gain valuable insights and knowledge to inspire and educate others about the significance and impact of art.

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Gallery Owner

A gallery owner curates and manages art exhibitions and sales. This course may be useful for a gallery owner who wishes to better understand the significance and influence of artists such as Cezanne. A deep knowledge of an artist's background, and place in history is needed to properly represent their work. This course helps a gallery owner understand Cezanne's significance as the Father of Modern Art as well as his place within the Impressionist movement. A gallery owner would find the course helpful in better understanding the art they choose to represent and sell.

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Art Consultant

An art consultant advises clients on art acquisitions and investments. This course may be useful for someone who wishes to understand the significance of artists such as Cezanne, and the influences that shaped their work. A consultant needs to understand the historical and artistic context that makes a particular piece of art valuable. This course helps build an appreciation for Cezanne's journey as an artist, from his time in Paris to his retreat to Provence to create his mature work, and how his work impacted other artists. An art consultant can apply the knowledge from this course to advise clients on acquiring pieces that fit with their broader understanding of art.

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Exhibition Designer

An exhibition designer creates the physical layout and experience of art exhibitions, and an appreciation for the art is very important for the role. This course helps an exhibition designer appreciate the historical and artistic context of Cezanne's work. An exhibition designer may find this course helpful for planning an exhibit of Cezanne, based on the course's exploration of the artist's life, influences, and artistic legacy. This course can help designers understand the importance of creating a narrative that is both informative and engaging for viewers.

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Fine Art Photographer

A fine art photographer creates images with artistic intent, often drawing upon art history for inspiration. Fine art photography may engage with the same types of themes as a painter, and this course helps build an understanding of art history. This course explores the artistic vision of Cezanne, his techniques, and his development as an artist throughout his life. A fine art photographer may use this information to inform their own work, drawing inspiration from how Cezanne saw the world and created his art. The course can help a photographer better understand and appreciate the connection between painting and photography, and how they can both capture a sense of place and time.

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Illustrator

An illustrator creates visual images for books, magazines, and other media, and this course may be helpful in developing an appreciation for visual composition and artistic process. The course explores Cezanne's artistic development, his influences from the Old Masters to Impressionism, and his exploration of color, techniques, and form. An illustrator may use this knowledge to develop their own visual style and narrative abilities. Furthermore, a close study of painting can be helpful to an artist who works in the medium of illustration. By understanding a painter's choices, an illustrator may be able to make better decisions in their own work.

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Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, often in advertising or publishing. A strong understanding of art history, and the evolution of artistic styles will be helpful for this role. This course explores Cezanne’s journey and artistic legacy, and provides an understanding of the historical context of art, and artistic movements. An art director may use the perspectives gained from this course to inform their own visual decisionmaking and enhance their understanding of design principles and techniques. This course may be useful to understanding how an artist evolved their style over the course of a career.

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Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts and designs using software. This course may be helpful for those wishing to explore some of the history behind art and design. The course explores the work of Cezanne, his techniques, and the historical context of his art and its place in the Impressionist movement. A graphic designer may use the principles of composition and color theory that can be found in Cezanne's work to improve their own design skills. An historical understanding of visual styles may be useful to a graphic designer in their work.

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Set Designer

A set designer creates the visual elements for theater, film, or television. This course may be useful to understanding the evolution of artistic styles. The exploration of Cezanne’s work may be helpful in understanding how an artist uses color, light, and form to create a scene. This course explores Cezanne's innovative approach to painting, and his exploration of nature and perspective; a set designer can apply these ideas to creating an authentic sense of time and place. Set designers who take this course might approach the visual design with a deeper appreciation for artistic legacy and style.

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Fashion Designer

A fashion designer creates clothing and accessories. This course may be helpful to a fashion designer who is interested in exploring visual art and design. The course explores Cezanne’s development as an artist, and his influences from the Old Masters, to Impressionism, and beyond. By learning about visual styles, how they evolved, and a sense of how they fit into art history, a fashion designer may find a new perspective. This course may be useful in exploring the artistic process and approach to creating a visual style. This course explores the visual language of art, which can be inspiring to a fashion designer.

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Writer

A writer creates written content for a variety of purposes, and a grasp of visual culture can be useful. This course explores the life and work of an important artist, and the historical and cultural context of his work. This course may be useful to a writer who wishes to better understand the development of a major 20th century artist. This course explores the influences that shaped Cezanne's artistic vision, and his legacy as the father of modern art. Writers who take this course may find that it provides insights into how the visual arts can be explored in writing.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cezanne: The father of modern art.

Magritte

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This biography provides a comprehensive overview of Cézanne's life, from his early struggles to his eventual recognition as a master. It delves into his relationships with other artists, his artistic development, and the personal challenges he faced. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the art, enriching your appreciation of his work. It is particularly useful for understanding the historical and artistic contexts of his paintings.

Art and Artists of Twentieth-Century China

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Compiles various accounts and recollections of Cézanne by his contemporaries, providing valuable insights into his personality, artistic philosophy, and working methods. It offers a unique perspective on Cézanne as a person and an artist, complementing the more formal analyses of his work. This book is more valuable as additional reading to add depth to the course.

Art and Artists of Twentieth-Century China

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Cezanne

The father of modern art

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Insightful guide to cezanne's art

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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