Three Colors: Cézanne

The art, life, and struggles of 19th century French artist Paul Cézanne, whose work was largely commercially and critically dismissed until he finally won acclaim at the age of 56, are explored in this portrait. Born in southern France in 1839, Cézanne depended on financial support from his domineering father, who discouraged his artistic ambitions (this oppressive household atmosphere helped contributed to the dark Romantic style found in Cézanne's early work. He studied and copied old masters at The Louvre, painted portraits of his family, and eventually produced the modern still lifes and landscapes for which he is justly celebrated (influencing later artists such as Picasso and Matisse). Although his granddaughter, Aline Cézanne, discusses his life, the focus here is more on the artwork, with commentary and analysis by art historians, critics, other artists, and museum directors (many of the interviews are in French with a simultaneous English translation). While some of the segments seem drawn out and repetitious, this will surely delight art buffs and is therefore recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. McDaniel)